Ahead of merger talks of AIADMK factions, Thambidurai, Jayakumar meet Governor

CHENNAI: Ahead of talks between the two factions of the AIADMK, two senior leaders of the AIADMK (Amma) met Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao at Raj Bhavanon Thursday.

Raj Bhavan sources said AIADMK parliamentary party leader M Thambidurai held discussions with the Governor first followed by a meeting between Jayakumar and the Governor.

The grapevine is that Thambidurai has reportedly stressed on the continuation of Edappadi K Palaniswami as the chief minister even after the merger of the two factions. The valid reason for his argument, party sources said is if Edappadi continues as chief minister, the opposition parties, particularly, the DMK cannot move any ‘confidence motion’ for six months i.e.., till August 18.  If the chief minister is changed, then the DMK might be able to move a no-confidence motion.

However, Thambidurai scotched the rumours that he had discussed political situation with the Governor. He said that Vidyasagar Rao was his friend since 1998 and it was just a friendly meeting and nothing more to add.  

But adding to the speculations, straight from Raj Bhavan, Thambidurai’s convoy headed to the secretariat where he met Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami shortly.

Jayakumar, who met the Governor later, held discussions with the Governor on the appointment of a new vice chancellor for the Fisheries University located in Thoothukudi. Jaya Kumar told reporters that he did not discuss about the political situation with the Governor.

TTV Dhinakaran is holding discussions with his supporters including Thalavai Sundaram, K Kathikamu, Thanga Thamizh Selvan and P Vetrivel, at his residence at Besant Nagar.  Dhinakaran had, on Wednesday, announced that he was keeping away from the party affairs since April 18, the moment, the team of ministers declared that the family of Dhinakaran would be ‘delinked’ from the affairs of party and government.

Meanwhile, former chief minister O Panneerselvam is holding discussions with senior leaders at his residence on Greenways Road on the future course of action after the possible merger of both factions.