The infighting in the AIADMK for the post of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister continued on Wednesday with Governor Vidyasagar Rao meeting leaders of both factions at the Raj Bhavan.

Caretaker Chief Minister O Panneerselvam and the rival faction’s Edappadi K Palaniswami, who was elected the AIADMK Legislature Party leader, met the Governor today.

Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar, who accompanied Palaniswami, told reporters that they reiterated to the Governor that they had the support of over 124 of the AIADMK’s 134 MLAs. “We are confident that the Governor will call us to form the government and ensure that democracy prevails,” he said.

Panneerselvam also met the Governor along with 10 MLAs and senior leaders.

Tamil Nadu’s political scene is going through a major upheaval since February 5, when AIADMK General Secretary VK Sasikala staked claim to the Chief Minister’s post after being elected the leader of the Legislature Party.

While Panneerselvam resigned and continued as caretaker Chief Minister, he revolted a couple of days later, saying he was coerced into giving up his post.

Sasikala’s plans were hit when the Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld her conviction in a corruption case and sentenced to her four years’ imprisonment. This disqualified her from contesting elections for 10 years. She surrendered to the Special Court in Bengaluru on Wednesday along with two of her relatives convicted in the case, to commence the jail term.

Edappadi K Palaniswami, a Cabinet Minister and loyalist, was elected the leader of the Legislature Party in Sasikala’s stead on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the Governor continues to play his cards close to his chest and has kept both factions guessing.

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