Chennai sources have stated that the camp of Tamilnadu Chief Minister E Palaniswami had held a meeting yesterday evening to discuss two important issues resuming the merger talks with the breakaway faction of O Panneerselvam and the possibility of joining the NDA government at the Centre. Mr. Palainiswami's supporters played down both agendas, with Finance Minister D Jayakumar saying the meeting was "routine".
Meanwhile, the BJP, which has a negligible presence in the state, has been trying hard to expand its footprint. The party's attempts to forge an alliance with the AIADMK over the last few years had fallen flat as former Chief Minister J Jayalalitha had refused their overtures. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Rameswaram, growing warmth in the ties of the two parties was reflected in their flags that dotted the sides of the highway.
Moreover a senior member of the OPS camp stated that Mr. Panneerselvam's supporters refused to be drawn out on the issue of merger."They may do something to prevent Dinakaran's re-entry attempt. Let's wait and see. We shall respond after they announce this evening and the OPS faction has the support of 10 legislators in the state assembly and a dozen parliamentarians.
