The rift between both factions of Tamil Nadu’s ruling AIADMK has widened with the O Panneerselvam camp sticking to its demands, and the rival group led by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, appearing unrelenting.

The AIADMK (Puratchi Thalaivi Amma), headed by former Chief Minister O Paneerselvam has set two pre-conditions for a merger of the factions. These include a CBI probe into the circumstances surrounding party leader J Jayalalithaa’s death and expulsion of AIADMK General Secretary VK Sasikala and her family from all party activities.

“These are two main demands from our side,” V Maithreyan of the AIADMK (Puratchi Thalaivi Amma) camp told newspersons.

Jayalalithaa’s death in hospital on December 5, 2016 sparked a bitter battle for power between her confidante Sasikala and then Chief Minister Panneerselvam. This caused a split in the party with Panneerselvam breaking away along with a dozen MLAs. However, CV Shanmugam of the rival AIADMK (Amma) faction said the various demands would be looked into once talks begin.

R Vaithialingam, who is heading the AIADMK (Amma)’s seven-member negotiating team, accused the rival group of non-cooperation. He reminded that a PIL had been filed demanding a probe into Jayalalithaa’s death.

Also, the Election Commission is looking into the validity of the appointment of Sasikala as party General Secretary. Once the authorities rule on these issues, the government will take action, he said.

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