AIADMK Throws Out Sasikala as EPS Decides to Join OPS

OPS &  EPS

Tamilnadu ruling party AIADMK removed the biggest hurdle blocking the merger of two rival factions by throwing out the Mannargudi family from the government as well as party activities. With this move its now certain that the OPS and EPS factions would come together soon. After a meeting of MLAs and MPs at the Chief Minister’s residence last evening, Minister D Jayakumar had announced that Dhinakaran and his family will be kept away from AIADMK and its govt. However, there’s no clarity yet on who is going to head the united government.

Though EPS, who was handpicked by Sasikala, seems to want the CM post at any cost, OPS supporters say he should be the first choice. 

Sasikala and TTV

Meanwhile, Sasikala’s nephew TTV Dhinakaran rushed back to Chennai in a bid to salvage the situation by herding his MLAs. He said that all MLAs are with him and there was no revolt in the party.

The sudden turn of events have led to speculations of the centre’s increasing influence in Tamilnadu politics, and a possibility of the ruling AIADMK growing closer to NDA, just ahead of the presidential election. Meanwhile, the crime branch has issued a lookout notice against the Dhinakaran, who’s an NRI, as intelligence reports had suggested that he may try to flee the country. Delhi police had lodged an FIR against Sasikala’s nephew after recent raids revealed his involvement in the bribery and corruption cases.  

- Karnataka Express Bureau.