Have Time Till August For Merger of AIADMK Factions: TTV Dinakaran

Chennai: TTV Dinakaran has been trying hard to establish himself as a key player in the AIADMK after being released on bail in the first week of June. The nephew of VK Sasikala has the support of over 34 of the 122 MLAs and he remains confident that there won’t be a need for President's rule in Tamil Nadu. In an exclusive interview to CNN-News 18, Dinakaran said, “I am giving time to my brothers till August for a merger (OPS and EPS factions). If that doesn’t happen, I will unite the party and strengthen it.”

Three factions of the AIADMK sent separate letters to the NDA supporting its Presidential candidates—a clear indication that there are three factions of the AIADMK. Dinakaran, however, denied it and said that he still is a part of the Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) camp. “It’s not 32 MLAs supporting me. All MLAs support me. I have no rift with anybody. Some ministers have some fear because of which they are talking against you, ask them what this fear is. They will realise their fault and come to us. Only OPS (O Panneerselvam) is against us. EPS camp and we will be together.”

When asked if the developments from the EPS camp is influenced by the Centre, Dinakaran said: “I don’t think there is any external force (BJP). It’s more like an internal force.”

Even since the demise of J Jayalalithaa, there have been speculations on whether or not Jaya has written a will. Jayalalithaa’s niece, Deepa Jayakumar, claimed that there is no will written by Jayalalithaa and that she will move court and fight it legally. Reacting to Deepa's claims, Dinakaran said, “Not sure if Jaya has written a will.”

While the political uncertainty continues in Tamil Nadu, political analysts say superstar Rajinikanth will make his political debut to fill in the vacuum. Sources said the actor will float his own political party to begin with.

Dinakaran camp welcomed Rajinikanth’s entry into politics. “Rajini is welcome to join politics. He is very popular. How can I invite him when he is a senior person. He is all set to form a party. Let him announce and then we will decide whether to form an alliance with him,” he added.