Chennai/Tiruvarur: A couple of hours after rebel AIADMK PTA leader and his predecessor O Panneerselvam, for the first time, spoke positively and categorically that merger of both the factions would take place in one or two days, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami today said some differences arose and they were sorted out through talks and the unification would happen soon. Talking to reporters at Tiruvarur, where he would participate in the MGR birth centenary celebrations, AIADMK Amma leader Palaniswami said the AIADMK party was founded by MGR and it was well nurtured by late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa. ‘In the meantime, some differences have cropped up’, he said. ‘These differences have now been resolved through talks and the two camps will merge soon’, he added. ‘I am happy to inform you that both the AIADMK factions will merge soon’, Mr Palaniswami said. Earlier in Chennai, Mr Panneerselvam, after holding fresh consultations with his supporters, told reporters that talks on the merger of the two AIADMK factions were progressing smoothly and that a ‘good decision’ will be arrived at in a day or two. He said the merger talks were progressing smoothly. Ruling out any differences of opinion within his party on the issue, he said a good decision on the merger would be arrived at in a day or two. ‘With a view to safeguard the party founded by MGR and J Jayalalithaa and to follow the path shown by them and as per the wishes of the people of the State and 1.5 crore AIADMK cadres, very soon…in one or two days, a good decision will be arrived at’, Mr Panneerselvam said. ‘You (the media) wait patiently and expect a good decision’, he added. A positive announcement on the merger was on the cards last night, but a consensus eluded despite marathon discussions, Mr Panneerselvam had with his supporters. Meanwhile, striking a discordant note, the TTV Dinakaran camp warned of changing the Chief Minister if he did not run the government in a proper manner. Talking to reporters after discussions with Dinakaran in Chennai, his loyalist and MLA Palaniappan said if he government did not function properly the Chief Minister would be changed. ‘Considering that he will function well, Mr Palaniswami was made the Chief Minister. ‘But now it appears that he has not been functioning properly. If he did not function properly the Chief Minister will be changed’, he warned.
