Mixed voices in AIADMK

While Ottapidaram MLA Sunder Raj welcomed the move, AIADMK (Amma) deputy propaganda secretary Nanjil Sampath expressed doubts.

Sunder Raj said, “Party cadre welcome the merger move and all MLAs want the AIADMK government to continue as well.” Stating that late J Jayalalithaa’s soul would ensure that the merger comes to fruition, he added, “We also welcome Chief Minister Edapaddi K Palaniswami’s announcement on setting up a one-man inquiry commission to go into Jayalalithaa’s death. We have nothing to fear as we have nothing to hide.” Madiyile ganam ille, vazhiyile bayamillai, he said in Tamil. Stating that nobody could cheat party cadre, he said, “All are eager to know the next stage of action from TTV Dinakaran.”

Taking exception to the MLA’s statement, Nanjil Sampath said, “Merger is doubtful. The government is enacting a drama to divert the attention of people from its lack of action in permitting the Karnataka government to go ahead with dam construction at Mekadatu.”

Stating that people could not be allowed to loot the state, a reference to the OPS group, he added that Chief Minister EPS does not know the protocol of not issuing political statements at government functions.