It seems like the AIADMK merger will face snarls even before it enters day one of its existence. MLAs who belong to the TTV Dhinakaran faction of the party visited Jayalalithaa's memorial on Monday night and announced that they have an appointment with the Governor at 10 am on Tuesday morning. They however refused to reveal the agenda of the meeting.
Sources say that the MLAs will present a memorandum to the Governor saying they have lost trust in Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami.
Through the day, even as Edappadi Palaniswami and O Panneerselvam displayed camaraderie and celebrated the union of two AIADMK factions, TTV's residence saw frenetic activity. 18 MLAs were present at the venue and they constantly cited the by-law of the AIADMK constituion that stated that only the General secretary or deputy general secretary can convene the General Council.
Governor Vidyasagar Rao however swore in O Panneerselvam as the Deputy Chief Minister and Mafoi Pandiarajan as Minister for Tamil Official language and culture.
Speaking at the memorial to reporters, MLA Thangatamil Selvan said, "We are meeting the Governor at 10 am tomorrow. We were not consulted about the merger but an OPS who has only 10 MLAs on his side was given so much importance." The MLAs further refused to divulge details of what they are to discuss with the Governor.
Sources in the Mannargudi family have further claimed that TTV Dhinakaran has the support of 26 MLAs currently.
MLA Vetrivel meanwhile, pointed out that the government has merged with leaders who voted against the government six months back. "We will reveal our strategy tomorrow at 10 am. Only the General Secretary has the power to appoint or remove any member," he emphasised.
V Maitreyan who belongs to the OPS camp has also sought an appointment with the Governor on Tuesday.