CHENNAI: Talks to hammer out differences and strike a compromise formula for the merger of AIADMK factions are expected to be set in motion on Monday, but both sides look tepid in the mission.
The committee for AIADMK-Amma faction is headed by Lok Sabha Member R Vaithilingam, while former minister KP Munusamy heads the panel of PT Amma faction led by ex-chief minister O Panneerselvam.
The official faction had suggested the party’s headquarters as the venue for the talks, but it was not clear whether the rebels agreed to go there.
“We are ready for talks as and when they come to our party headquarters at Royapettah,” said a senior minister and a member of the committee of AIADMK-Amma.
Former minister and a key leader of AIADMK-PT Amma faction ‘Ma Foi’ K Pandiarajan said that the place and time of talks would be made known on Monday morning.
Leaders of both the factions sounded disinterested in going about with the merger talks after much hype and show of strength.
‘Ready to resign FM post’
Interestingly, Finance Minister D Jayakumar volunteered to resign his ministerial post if Pannerselvam expressed willingness to take over.
“I am ready to sacrifice my post for the well-being of the party.,” Jayakumar told reporters after participating in a function to develop the Chetpet eco-tourism centre at Rs 6 crore, here on Sunday.
The doors of party headquarters will be open from Monday morning for merger talks, he said, rejecting DMK’s allegation that theirs was a benami government of the Centre.