A meeting between senior functionaries of the AIADMK (Puratchi Thalaivi Amma) and AIADMK (Amma) to finalise a merger led to some anxious moments for their supporters on Friday evening.
A source in the AIADMK (PTA) camp told The Hindu that the leaders did not make any headway and the talks had failed.
A considerable number of supporters had turned up at the Greenways Road residence of AIADMK (PTA) leader O. Panneerselvam in anticipation of an announcement.
“We will accept whatever he decides. It doesn’t matter who leads the party or the government. He is our leader and we will follow him,” said Jayagovindan, a supporter.
Around 6.30 p.m., there was speculation that Mr. Panneerselvam would head to Jayalalithaa’s memorial at Marina beach and meet Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami to announce a merger.The CM and some ministers too were reportedly ready to leave for the Marina for the imminent announcement. But they stayed put as the OPS camp was stuck in wrangling.
Nearly four hours after the meeting began, a few senior leaders emerged from the meeting, but through a side door, and left in their cars.
The intermittent rains too left the cadre disappointed. Around 9.45 p.m., mediapersons also started getting agitated. Following a short protest, a spokesperson of the OPS camp said there would be no press interaction.
