CHENNAI: The stalemate over merger talks between the two factions of AIADMK continued on Friday with leaders of both sides dilly-dallying with words on when the talks will begin even as there were reports that ‘secret talks’ were on at the top level.
Asked about the statement of O Panneerselvam a few days ago that a conducive atmosphere had arisen to hold talks on merger, K P Munusamy, who is heading the faction led by the former Chief Minister said, “EPS faction has said they are ready for that. If a cordial atmosphere is created, we are also ready for talks. There was a gloomy situation earlier. Now, it has started easing. When it eases further, we will be ready to talk.”
Answering mediapersons queries in this regard, Finance Minister D Jayakumar said “We really don’t understand why the OPS faction is not coming forward to hold merger talks. We are ready for talks always.”
Expressing confidence that both factions would merge soon, Municipal Administration Minister SP Velumani said, “MK Stalin and other opposition parties wish that the two factions of AIADMK should not merge because it will not augur well for them.”
Meanwhile, a former MLA from Pudukottai, VR Karthik Thondaiman and a few office-bearers joined the O Panneerselvam faction.