Ahead of AIADMK merger, TN CM Palaniswami orders probe into Jayalalithaa's death

In a major development towards the merger of AIADMK's both factions, the Tamil Nadu government on Thursday ordered a judicial inquiry into the death of former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa.

"Commission will be constituted under a retired judge to probe death of Amma(J Jayalalithaa)," said Tamil Nadu CM E Palaniswami.

CM Palaniswami also announced that her Poes Garden residence in Chennai will be converted into a memorial.

Jayalalithaa died on December 5 last year following a massive cardiac arrest at the Apollo Hospital in Chennai. She was admitted to hospital on September 22 following complaints of fever and dehydration and days before her death doctors had announced that she has recovered fully and will be discharged soon.

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The probe into Jayalalithaa's death was the main condition of AIADMK faction led Panneerselvam to merge with CM  Palaniswami's AIADMK (Amma).

The development took place days after TTV Dinakaran, nephew of VK Sasikala, accused the Palaniswami camp of trying to oust him and "usurp" the party.

He had vowed to reclaim the AIADMK's 'two leaves' election symbol that was frozen following a split in the party.Earlier this month, Chief Minister Palaniswami had removed Dinakaran from AIADMK's deputy general secretary post.

Another condition of the merger was to sack Jailed AIADMK chief VK Sasikala and her family members from the party. 

The Election Commission after the split of AIADMK post Jayalalithaa's death had suspended party's two-leaf symbol and the merger is also very crucial to regaining that ahead of upcoming civic polls.