Rejecting the preconditions set by AIADMK (Puratchi Thalaivi Amma) for engaging in talks for a proposed merger , the ruling AIADMK (Amma) faction has insisted that the former should agree to sit across the table for discussions without any preconditions.
Addressing mediapersons, senior leader R. Vaithilingam, who is heading the AIADMK (Amma) negotiation committee, said, “They [OPS faction] have set preconditions. There is no dispute to which solutions cannot be found through talks. We are calling upon them to come forward for talks through you [media].”
Even as he referred to the initial statement made by former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam that his faction was ready for talks without any precondition, Mr. Vaithilingam said, “They are trying to find issues to put a spoke in the way of talks. They are giving contradictory opinions.”
Probe into Jaya’s death
As for the demands, he said Mr. Panneerselvam could have constituted an inquiry commission to probe the death of Jayalalithaa when he was the Chief Minister. However, the AIADMK organising secretary said that the government was prepared to order a CBI probe if ordered by the Madras HC. The dispute over appointment of general secretary was pending before the Election Commission, Mr. Vaithilingam added.
AnotherAIADMK (Amma) leader told The Hindu , “Our party bylaws don’t allow the expulsion of the general secretary (Sasikala). Only the general secretary can expel others. When their demand does not have legal sanctity, how can it be done?” As for the demand for a CBI probe into Jayalalithaa’s death, he said, “If we are in power and order a CBI probe into the death of our own leader, how will it look? It would be like accepting that our own government and the police cannot be trusted and hence we are giving the task to CBI. Again, this is unacceptable.”
Meanwhile, a meeting of the District Secretaries of AIADMK (Amma) will be held from tomorrow.
Published - April 25, 2017 12:51 am IST
