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OPS gives in, AIADMK factions likely to announce merger on Monday

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9 years ago

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OPS gives in, AIADMK factions likely to announce merger on Monday

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The AIADMK factions led by Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi Palaniswami and his predecessor O Panneerselvam had almost worked out the merger planon Friday and were to announce it at the Marina memorial of J Jayalalithaa but the announcement was delayed due to hard negotiations from both sides

After several rounds of hectic deliberations and a ‘false alarm’ that saw hundreds of AIADMK supporters line up at late chief minister J Jayalalithaa’s memorial at Marina beach on Friday night, it appears that the merger plans of the party’s rival factions led by chief minister Edappadi Palaniswami and his predecessor O Panneerselvam are now final.

If sources within the two rival camps are to be believed, the merger of the Palaniswami (EPS) and Panneerselvam (OPS) camps is likely to be formalised on Monday to coincide with the lunar phenomenon of Amavasya (new moon night) which is considered auspicious in Tamil Nadu.

On Friday – a day after EPS accepted the Panneerselvam faction’s key demand of announcing a judicial probe into Jayalalithaa’s death and converting her Veda Nilayam residence in Chennai’s Poes Garden into a memorial – the two rival camps had come close to announcing the merger. The big announcement was to be made by the two factional leaders – EPS and OPS – at Jayalalithaa’s memorial on Marina Beach, which had even been decked up with flowers and lights.

However, as the two factions continued to discuss the fine-print of the merger till late on Friday night, the mammoth crowd that had arrived at Amma’s (as Jayalalithaa is popularly referred to) memorial braving heavy showers, began to disperse.

There was speculation in the local media that the merger announcement was delayed due to dissensions within the OPS camp and since the Tamil Nadu chief minister declined to give in to several demands made by Panneerselvam – key among them being huge representation of his faction in the state cabinet, various corporations and also the party. EPS is learnt to have accepted only a few names put forth by OPS for key assignments and portfolios within the party and his government.

On Saturday, in an indication that he had accepted the terms outlined by OPS, Panneerselvam said that the merger talks are “going smoothly” and that a “good decision can be expected in a day or two”.

Panneerselvam, who spoke to media persons at his Greenways Road residence where he had been busy in parleys with members of his camp, also dismissed reports of dissensions within his ranks.

Sources said that the delay in announcing the merger could also be because of Palaniswami’s reluctance in accepting the OPS camp’s demand of him publicly announcing that jailed interim general secretary of the AIADMK VK Sasikala – a close aide of the late Jayalalithaa who had attempted an intra-party coup against OPS when he was chief minister and eventually caused his ouster – stood expelled from the party.

The OPS faction had also been pressing for a formula under which EPS could continue as chief minister while Panneerselvam would be named AIADMK general secretary. However, it appears that this demand has been dismissed and Panneerselvam might have to settle for the deputy chief minister’s post.

Meanwhile, both EPS and OPS factions seem to have hit a hurdle over the announcement of converting Veda Nilayam into a museum showcasing the life and career of Jayalalithaa. The former AIADMK chief’s niece, Deepa Jayakumar, has not only questioned Palaniswami’s decision of a probe into Amma’s death but has also opposed the move to convert her residence into a museum.

“For madam Jayalalithaa, the only legal heirs are myself and my brother Deepak. We have not been consulted about turning her residence into a museum… they have no legal right to make this announcement without consulting us,” Jayakumar told media persons in Chennai.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1503147349171{padding-top: 5px !important;padding-right: 5px !important;padding-bottom: 5px !important;padding-left: 5px !important;background-color: #b2b2b2 !important;border-radius: 10px !important;}”]

Background to the factional feud

In the days prior to Amma’s death, the party had elected Panneerselvam to act as chief minister and he was sworn-in to the office immediately after Jayalalithaa was pronounced dead. However, in the days following her demise, while Sasikala was still contemplating her political moves, Panneerselvam announced that he had “heard the voice of his conscience and of Amma” and will stay on as chief minister. Sasikala’s faction of the party had come out in open rebellion against OPS, calling him a traitor, and imploring Sasikala to take over as chief minister.

However, the Supreme Court convicted Sasikala for four years in a disproportionate assets case, effectively nixing any chance of her taking on the executive role after which EPS was sworn-in as chief minister. The party has ever since been divided into three factions, those led by Sasikala and her nephew TTV Dhinakaran, OPS and EPS.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The merger between these rival AIADMK factions is crucial for the party to get back its election symbol – two leaves – which the Election Commission had suspended after the split. Also, since Amma’s demise, the party has been floundering in search of one leader behind which the cadre can stand firmly. This has left the political space in Tamil Nadu wide open for the party’s principal political rival – M Karunanidhi’s DMK. Perhaps more importantly, the factional feuds is also giving a golden opportunity to the BJP to either gain its own space in Tamil Nadu politics or work towards an alliance with whichever faction of the AIADMK gives it more tactical strength.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Mamata Banerjee warns BJP, EC over Bengal polls, says they will be accountable

Mamata Banerjee holds BJP and Election Commission responsible for any incidents during Bengal polls, raising concerns over officer transfers.

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4 hours ago

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March 17, 2026

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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has held the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Election Commission of India responsible for any untoward incidents in the state during the upcoming assembly elections, following the transfer of key officials.

Addressing concerns over administrative reshuffles, Banerjee said that changes involving senior bureaucrats, including the chief secretary and home secretary, could affect governance and law and order in the state during a crucial period.

The Trinamool Congress chief also announced candidates for 291 constituencies for the elections scheduled to be held in two phases on April 23 and 29.

Criticising the Election Commission, Banerjee alleged that the transfers were being carried out in a manner that benefits the BJP. She questioned the timing of the decisions and said such actions weaken the state administration at a sensitive time.

She further raised concerns about disaster management and essential services, stating that experienced officials familiar with the state’s situation have been replaced. According to her, this could impact administrative efficiency if any emergency arises before the new government is formed.

Protecting Bengal’s identity

Banerjee emphasised that the election is not merely about forming a government but about safeguarding Bengal’s identity and existence. She accused the BJP of misusing central agencies and attempting to influence the electoral process.

She urged that elections should be conducted peacefully, without external interference, and in line with democratic principles. The chief minister also expressed confidence that her party would return to power with a stronger mandate.

Appealing to voters, she called for support for the Trinamool Congress, asserting that the people of Bengal will ultimately decide the outcome and protect their democratic rights.

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Mamata Banerjee writes to poll chief over officers’ reshuffle, calls move arbitrary

Mamata Banerjee has written to the Chief Election Commissioner, calling the reshuffle of senior Bengal officials arbitrary and raising concerns over constitutional norms.

Published

15 hours ago

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March 17, 2026

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mamta banerjee

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has written to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, raising strong objections to the recent reshuffle of senior bureaucrats in the state ahead of the assembly elections.

In her letter, Banerjee described the move by the Election Commission of India as “arbitrary” and expressed “deep concern” over what she termed a unilateral decision. She urged the Commission to refrain from adopting such measures in the future.

The Chief Minister pointed out that while the Election Commission does have the authority to make administrative changes during elections, past practice has involved consultation with the state government. According to her, the Commission would typically seek a panel of officers from the state and make its selections from that list, maintaining what she called constitutional propriety and administrative convention.

Banerjee warned that bypassing this process could undermine the institutional credibility and long-standing legacy of the poll body, and may also affect the foundational principles of the constitutional framework.

The controversy stems from the Commission’s decision, taken soon after announcing election dates, to remove several top officials from election-related duties. These include the state’s Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, Kolkata Police Commissioner, and Home Secretary.

The Commission has maintained that the reshuffle was aimed at ensuring a peaceful and violence-free electoral process.

Reacting sharply, Banerjee alleged bias in the decision-making, claiming that the removal of the Chief Secretary indicated an anti-women stance. She also accused the Commission of selectively targeting officers, suggesting that the move favoured individuals aligned with the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress escalated its protest, staging a day-long walkout from the Rajya Sabha earlier in the day.

Responding to the criticism, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Election Commission is a constitutional authority, adding that questioning its decisions in Parliament is inappropriate and unproductive.

The Commission has appointed a new Chief Secretary in place of the outgoing official as part of the reshuffle.

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BJP releases first list of 47 candidates for Kerala assembly polls

The BJP has released its first list of 47 candidates for the Kerala Assembly elections scheduled for April 9, including three former Union ministers.

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1 day ago

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March 16, 2026

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BJP releases list of candidates

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday released its first list of 47 candidates for the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections scheduled for April 9.

Voting will take place for all 140 seats in the state assembly, with counting of votes scheduled for May 4. A party or coalition needs at least 70 seats to secure a majority in the House.

Among the candidates announced in the first list are three former Union ministers — Rajeev Chandrasekhar, V. Muraleedharan and George Kurian.

Key candidates announced

Kerala BJP chief and former Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar has been fielded from the Nemom assembly constituency. In the 2024 Lok Sabha election, Chandrasekhar lost the Thiruvananthapuram seat to three-time MP Shashi Tharoor, but he led in the Nemom assembly segment during that contest. The party believes this performance strengthens its prospects in the constituency.

Nemom has held political significance for the BJP since 2016, when senior leader O. Rajagopal won the seat and became the party’s first-ever MLA in the 140-member Kerala Legislative Assembly. The victory marked the BJP’s initial breakthrough in the state assembly.

However, the seat returned to the Left camp in the 2021 Assembly election when V. Sivankutty defeated BJP leader Kummanam Rajasekharan.

Former Union minister V. Muraleedharan will contest from the Kazhakoottam constituency, while George Kurian has been nominated from Kanjirappally.

Other candidates in the list

According to the list released by the party, several other candidates have also been announced for key constituencies. P. C. George will contest from Poonjar, R. Sreelekha from Vattiyoorkavu and Padmaja Venugopal from Thrissur.

The BJP has also nominated Sobha Surendran from Palakkad, Navya Haridas from Kozhikode North and Kavitha K. S. from Sulthanbathery, a reserved constituency.

Raji Prasad will contest from the Kunnathur seat reserved for Scheduled Castes, while R. Rashmi has been fielded from Kottarakkara.

Political backdrop in Kerala

Kerala’s electoral politics has traditionally alternated between the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF). However, the BJP has been attempting to expand its presence in the state.

The alternating trend was interrupted in the 2021 Assembly election when the electorate returned the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government to power for a second consecutive term.

The BJP believes recent electoral performances and local body successes have strengthened its position as it prepares to contest the upcoming assembly polls.

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