AIADMK merger issue: Apt word for Dinakaran is '420', says TN CM

Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu) [India], August 11 (ANI): Taking a dig at All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) deputy general secretary T.T.V. Dinakaran, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E. Palanisamy on Friday said that the apt word for the former would be "420". "The apt word for Dinakaran is '420'," Palanisamy told media here. Meanwhile, Dinakaran said that he would take decisions favourable for his party without any fear. "I'll conduct whatever surgical strike is needed for the party's interest. It is only my prerogative to appoint or expel people from the party, nobody can dictate terms on me. I am free to exercise my powers," he added. Earlier on Thursday, Tamil Nadu minister D. Jayakumar expressed confidence over the merger of EPS, OPS factions of the AIADMK and said he hopes it happens soon. The faction of Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palanisamy has also passed a resolution as per which all the appointments made by Dinakaran stand null and void. "Whatever appointments were made by T.T.V. Dinakaran are not according to the party law. We request the party cadre to ignore them," a leader of EPS faction said. On August 7, Palanisamy said he expects the much-anticipated-but-delayed merger of the two factions of the AIADMK. "I expect to see it soon," he told reporters. His remark came after the leader of the Puratchi Thalaivi Amma faction led by O. Panneerselvam said it had had not heard from the former on the merger talks. Former chief minister Panneerselvam had last week said that the leaders in the rival camp were "only making comments" on the unification, but not making much effort. Earlier in the Month, Dinakaran assured that the party is working towards the merger of the faction, adding it could even take place before October 17. (ANI)