For AIADMK Merger, Sasikala Faction Agrees To Sideline Her

The rival factions of the ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu moved closer today, with the faction led by VK Sasikala deciding to keep away her and her nephew TTV Dinakaran "from the government and the party". For now, her faction will be steered by a committee. Ms Sasikala, who is in prison in Bengaluru, heads the larger team that controls the government. The decision meets the key demand of her political rival O Paneerselvam or OPS, who wanted the Sasikala family's removal from the party. What remains to be worked out is whether E Palaniswami will continue as the Chief Minister. Mr Panneerselvam's faction wants him to take over the post.