Chennai, 28 May (H.S.):Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar is expected to take a crucial decision on Thursday regarding the formal merger of the rival factions within the AIADMK after leaders from both camps withdrew petitions filed against each other during the recent political crisis.

Speaking to reporters, the Speaker confirmed that representatives from both factions had submitted requests seeking withdrawal of disqualification petitions and other complaints related to the internal split in the party. He said the documents would be examined carefully before an official announcement is made.

The development follows intensive reconciliation talks between the camps led by AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) and senior leader S.P. Velumani. In a major breakthrough, 14 MLAs aligned with the Velumani faction travelled from the residence of senior leader C.V. Shanmugam to meet EPS in Chennai.

Sources said the rebel legislators submitted apology letters to EPS and requested restoration of party posts that had been removed during the factional dispute. Soon after the meeting, Velumani and the MLAs met Speaker Prabhakar and formally handed over a letter withdrawing their support to the TVK-led government headed by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.

Leaders from both camps later jointly appeared before the Speaker, signalling the formal reunification of the AIADMK. They also withdrew petitions related to the appointment of the party whip and informed the Speaker that the party would function as a united team in the Assembly.

The MLAs submitted fresh representations recognising EPS as the leader of the AIADMK Legislature Party and appointing Agri Krishnamoorthy as the party whip.

However, uncertainty remains over the political future of senior leader C.V. Shanmugam, who is reportedly consulting supporters amid differences within sections of the party over his return to the EPS camp.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman