A fresh political controversy has erupted in Tamil Nadu after the DMK accused TVK of colluding with the BJP following the police decision to deny permission for a statewide campaign against the National Education Policy (NEP) and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) reservation.

DMK president MK Stalin alleged that TVK was acting in line with the BJP, while Dravidar Kazhagam criticized the protest ban, saying previous governments had allowed similar demonstrations. The organization has now postponed its campaign and announced it will challenge the decision through legal means.

DMK Accuses TVK of BJP Nexus After Protest Ban | Stalin Targets Vijay Over NEET Row

<p>The Supreme Court on Thursday said that the 'pressure cooker' symbol can be allotted to TTV Dinakaran-led Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) for the upcoming Thiruvar bypolls if Delhi high court doesn't decide on the 'two leaves' symbol case.</p>

<p>The Delhi High Court had on March 9 last year directed the Election Commission (EC) to allot a common symbol, preferably that of a 'pressure cooker', and a name to the then AIADMK (Amma) faction led by Dhinakaran.</p>

<p>A bench of justices A M Khanwilkar and Ajay Rastogi said if the high court does not dispose of the pending case regarding allocation of symbol within four weeks then the EC may proceed as per the March 9, 2018 order.</p>

<p>The top court also vacated its earlier order of abeyance on the high court's order, which was issued after the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E K Palaniswami-led AIADMK faction had moved the apex court.</p>

<p>The high court's order was passed on an application by Dhinakaran in his main petition challenging an EC order of November 23, 2017, which had allotted the 'two leaves' symbol to the group headed by Palaniswami and his deputy O Panneerselvam who opposed the grant of any relief in the matter.</p>

<p>The interim plea had sought the allocation of a name and symbol till the pendency of the main petition, claiming that otherwise the poll panel might declare it as a separate party.</p>

<p>Dhinakaran had asked for the 'pressure cooker' symbol as under it he had in December last year won the Radha Krishnan Nagar Assembly by-election with a margin of over 40,000 votes.</p>

<p>The Palaniswami-Panneerselvam group had opposed Dhinakaran's plea on several grounds, including that his faction has to register itself as a separate party to get a name and symbol and that the appropriate forum for the matter was the Madras High Court.</p>

<p>Rejecting their contentions, the court had said Dhinakaran's faction cannot be compelled to register as a new political party and then apply to the EC for a symbol as then his plea laying claim to the 'two-leaves' symbol would become a fait accompli.</p>

<p>Another reason given by the court to reject the Palaniswami-Panneerselvam group's contention was that there had been "no final determination of the question as to which is the splinter group and which group truly/actually represents the AIADMK party".</p>

<p>On the issue of jurisdiction, it had said merely because most of the respondents, who belong to the Palaniswami-Panneerselvam group, are situated in Tamil Nadu, does not take away the jurisdiction of the Delhi High Court to hear the matter.</p>

<p>It had also noted that the group led by Palaniswami have been entitled to the exclusive use of the AIADMK party name and 'two leaves' symbol and "would not be prejudiced by an order allotting a separate non-identical common symbol to the splinter group".</p>

<p>The EC in March, 2017 had given the 'hat' symbol to the Dhinakaran group after it froze the use of the 'two-leaves' symbol to which the group led by Palaniswami and Panneerselvam had also laid claim.</p>

<p>The Palaniswami-Panneerselvam faction had at the same time been granted the 'electric pole' symbol.</p>

<p>However, on November 23, 2017, the poll panel had ruled in favour of the Palaniswami-Panneerselvam faction by allotting the 'two-leaves' symbol to them.</p>

<p>The symbol issue has been lingering since April last in the aftermath of the announcement of the by-election to Radha Krishnan Nagar Assembly constituency in Tamil Nadu following the death of AIADMK chief J Jayalalithaa in December 2016.</p>

<p>Earlier, rival factions led by Sasikala and Panneerselvam had staked claim over the symbol. Palaniswami was then in the Sasikala camp. Later, a large number of legislators led by Palaniswami revolted against Sasikala.</p>


The Supreme Court on Thursday said that the 'pressure cooker' symbol can be allotted to TTV Dinakaran-led Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) for the upcoming Thiruvar bypolls if Delhi high court doesn't decide on the 'two leaves' symbol case.

The Supreme Court on Thursday said that the 'pressure cooker' symbol can be allotted to TTV Dinakaran-led Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) for the upcoming Thiruvar bypolls if Delhi high court doesn't decide on the 'two leaves' symbol case. The Delhi High Court had on March 9 last year directed the Election Commission (EC) to allot a common symbol, preferably that of a 'pressure cooker', and a name to the then AIADMK (Amma) faction led by Dhinakaran. A bench of justices A M Khanwilkar and Ajay Rastogi said if the high court does not dispose of the pending case regarding allocation of symbol within four weeks then the EC may proceed as per the March 9, 2018 order. The top court also vacated its earlier order of abeyance on the high court's order, which was issued after the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E K Palaniswami-led AIADMK faction had moved the apex court. The high court's order was passed on an application by Dhinakaran in his main petition challenging an EC order of November 23, 2017, which had allotted the 'two leaves' symbol to the group headed by Palaniswami and his deputy O Panneerselvam who opposed the grant of any relief in the matter. The interim plea had sought the allocation of a name and symbol till the pendency of the main petition, claiming that otherwise the poll panel might declare it as a separate party. Dhinakaran had asked for the 'pressure cooker' symbol as under it he had in December last year won the Radha Krishnan Nagar Assembly by-election with a margin of over 40,000 votes. The Palaniswami-Panneerselvam group had opposed Dhinakaran's plea on several grounds, including that his faction has to register itself as a separate party to get a name and symbol and that the appropriate forum for the matter was the Madras High Court. Rejecting their contentions, the court had said Dhinakaran's faction cannot be compelled to register as a new political party and then apply to the EC for a symbol as then his plea laying claim to the 'two-leaves' symbol would become a fait accompli. Another reason given by the court to reject the Palaniswami-Panneerselvam group's contention was that there had been "no final determination of the question as to which is the splinter group and which group truly/actually represents the AIADMK party". On the issue of jurisdiction, it had said merely because most of the respondents, who belong to the Palaniswami-Panneerselvam group, are situated in Tamil Nadu, does not take away the jurisdiction of the Delhi High Court to hear the matter. It had also noted that the group led by Palaniswami have been entitled to the exclusive use of the AIADMK party name and 'two leaves' symbol and "would not be prejudiced by an order allotting a separate non-identical common symbol to the splinter group". The EC in March, 2017 had given the 'hat' symbol to the Dhinakaran group after it froze the use of the 'two-leaves' symbol to which the group led by Palaniswami and Panneerselvam had also laid claim. The Palaniswami-Panneerselvam faction had at the same time been granted the 'electric pole' symbol. However, on November 23, 2017, the poll panel had ruled in favour of the Palaniswami-Panneerselvam faction by allotting the 'two-leaves' symbol to them. The symbol issue has been lingering since April last in the aftermath of the announcement of the by-election to Radha Krishnan Nagar Assembly constituency in Tamil Nadu following the death of AIADMK chief J Jayalalithaa in December 2016. Earlier, rival factions led by Sasikala and Panneerselvam had staked claim over the symbol. Palaniswami was then in the Sasikala camp. Later, a large number of legislators led by Palaniswami revolted against Sasikala.

Dhinakaran can have 'pressure cooker' symbol pending Delhi high court decision: Supreme Court

<p>TTV <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chennai-income-tax-raids-on-jaya-tv-23786">Dinakaran who won the high-profile</a> RK Nagar bypoll which was earlier held by late Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa floated a new political party in the state.</p>

<p>Dinakaran <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/election-commission-has-informed-two-leaves-symbol-belongs-to-eps-ops-faction-aiadmk-mp-v-maitreyan-24921">was involved</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/election-commission-has-informed-two-leaves-symbol-belongs-to-eps-ops-faction-aiadmk-mp-v-maitreyan-24921"> an open feud with</a>&nbsp;top AIADMK party officials - E K Palaniswami-O Panneerselvam(EPS-OPS) over the &quot;two leaves&quot; symbol which was eventually granted to the EPS-OPS faction by the Election Commission.</p>

<p>&quot;Amma Makkal Munetra Kazhagam will be the name of my party,&quot; TTV Dinakaran told supporters at a large public rally in Madurai.</p>

<p>Dhinakaran, who has the support of several dissident party workers and leaders, said the new outfit would capture power in the state and unveiled the party&#39;s flag, which features the image of a smiling Jayalalithaa in the middle.</p>

<p>The flag is black on top and red below with white in the middle.</p>

<p>&quot;We will win all upcoming elections from now by using latest name and party flag, we will also try to retrieve the two leaves symbol, till then will use cooker symbol,&quot; Dinakaran declared as the large crowd cheered.</p>

<p>Former ministers V Senthil Balaji and P Palaniappan, senior leaders such as S Anbazhagan, disqualified MLAs and Dhinakaran loyalists, including P Vetrivel, and Thanga Tamil Selvan, were among those who participated at the event.</p>

<p>Speakers at the meeting lambasted the Chief Minister K Palaniswami-led regime and said it comprised betrayers.</p>

<p>Vetrivel presented a &quot;veera vaal,&quot; (a spear) to Dhinakaran before he announced the party name.</p>


Dinakaran was involved an open feud with top AIADMK party officials - E K Palaniswami-O Panneerselvam(EPS-OPS)

TTV Dinakaran who won the high-profile RK Nagar bypoll which was earlier held by late Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa floated a new political party in the state. Dinakaran was involved an open feud with top AIADMK party officials - E K Palaniswami-O Panneerselvam(EPS-OPS) over the "two leaves" symbol which was eventually granted to the EPS-OPS faction by the Election Commission. "Amma Makkal Munetra Kazhagam will be the name of my party," TTV Dinakaran told supporters at a large public rally in Madurai. Dhinakaran, who has the support of several dissident party workers and leaders, said the new outfit would capture power in the state and unveiled the party's flag, which features the image of a smiling Jayalalithaa in the middle. The flag is black on top and red below with white in the middle. "We will win all upcoming elections from now by using latest name and party flag, we will also try to retrieve the two leaves symbol, till then will use cooker symbol," Dinakaran declared as the large crowd cheered. Former ministers V Senthil Balaji and P Palaniappan, senior leaders such as S Anbazhagan, disqualified MLAs and Dhinakaran loyalists, including P Vetrivel, and Thanga Tamil Selvan, were among those who participated at the event. Speakers at the meeting lambasted the Chief Minister K Palaniswami-led regime and said it comprised betrayers. Vetrivel presented a "veera vaal," (a spear) to Dhinakaran before he announced the party name.

TTV Dinakaran floats new party AMMK, with cooker as party symbol

<p>The ruling AIADMK on Sunday alleged there was a &quot;tacit understanding&quot; between TTV Dhinakaran and the opposition DMK to defeat it in the RK Nagar bypoll, in which the sidelined party leader emerged victorious.</p>

<p>The party is also likely to brainstorm on today&#39;s defeat at a meeting here tomorrow, party sources said.</p>

<p>Asserting that the win achieved by &quot;conspiracy&quot; by Stalin and Dhinakaran will not affect AIADMK, party coordinator O Panneerselvam and co-coordinator K Palaniswami said DMK, their party&#39;s arch rival, faced its &quot;worst defeat&quot; in an election to any Assembly segment in Tamil Nadu so far.</p>

<p>Dhinakaran won the bypoll by a thumping margin of over 40,000 votes while DMK candidate N Maruthu Ganesh finished third, garnering 24,651 votes, in the process losing deposit. AIADMKs&#39; E Madhusudanan came second.</p>

<p>The bypoll was held to fill the vacancy caused by the death of sitting MLA and then chief minister J Jayalalithaa.</p>

<p>&quot;The result of the RK Nagar bypoll is an outcome of the tacit understanding between DMK Working President MK Stalin and Dhinakaran,&quot; Panneerselvam and Palaniswami said in a joint statement tonight.</p>

<p>Rejecting the charge, Stalin alleged it was the state ministers under the charge of Palaniswami and Panneerselvam who aided the Dhinakaran camp in distributing money to the voters.</p>

<p>Responding to reporters&#39;&nbsp;queries on the charge by AIADMK, he asserted that the DMK faced the poll only in &quot;alliance with democracy&quot;.</p>

<p>&quot;Hence this poll is not a loss for DMK. It is a huge defeat for the Election Commission,&quot; Stalin claimed.</p>

<p>The joint statement said the bypoll result showed how Stalin and Dhinakaran &quot;planned to defame&quot; party founder, the late MG Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa by &quot;joining hands to defeat&quot; Two leaves, the AIADMK&#39;s symbol.</p>

<p>&quot;People are amazed how DMK is pushed to a situation where it could not even get the primary votes it has in RK Nagar. At the same time, they are questioning how DMK can enter into a conspiracy with Dhinakaran to defame Amma,&quot; they added.</p>

<p>Stalin had entered into such a &quot;tacit understanding&quot; unmindful of his party&#39;s performance as his sole intention was to target the AIADMK government, they alleged.</p>

<p>Taking a swipe at Dhinakaran, the two leaders said he had earlier been expelled from the party by Jayalalithaa along with other relatives of her confidante VK Sasikala.</p>

<p>They also accused him of &quot;betraying&quot; Jayalalithaa even after her death by allegedly joining hands with DMK.</p>

<p>They cited Dhinakaran&#39;s response to the acquittal of DMK leaders Kanimozhi and A Raja, in the 2G spectrum allocation case on December 21, that he was happy for them as they hailed from Tamil Nadu.</p>

<p>&quot;The election outcome shows he (Dhinakaran) received DMK votes as a reward for this. Realising he cannot take on AIADMK and Two Leaves directly, Stalin has diverted his party votes to Dhinakaran,&quot; they charged and accused the DMK leader of &quot;betraying&quot; his party.</p>

<p>The two AIADMK leaders also levelled allegations of money distribution against Dhinakaran.</p>

<p>They said Dhinakaran&#39;s victory cannot be accepted as the &quot;thought process&quot; of the people of entire Tamil Nadu.</p>

<p>The win achieved by &quot;conspiracy&quot; by Stalin and Dhinakaran will not affect AIADMK nor was it a setback, they said.</p>

<p>They vowed to take forward the &quot;Amma rule&quot; and deliver welfare and commit to upholding Jayalalithaa&#39;s fame.</p>

<p>In Coimbatore, senior BJP leader L Ganesan said this was a victory of Jayalalithaa and AIADMK should introspect about the results, which would have been different had it remained a single entity.</p>

<p>On his party&#39;s performance, Ganesan said people had not not taken into considering the BJP&#39;s presence in the contest. This was a factor to be thought about, he added.</p>

<p>Senior AIADMK leader and Deputy Speaker in the Lok Sabha M Thambidurai said the result proved that DMK was not able to break the Jayalalithaa citadel and its campaign had no impact on the people.&nbsp;</p>


TTV Dhinakaran, the nephew of jailed leader VK Sasikala, trounced his nearest rival E Madhusudhanan of the ruling AIADMK by over 40,000 votes

The ruling AIADMK on Sunday alleged there was a "tacit understanding" between TTV Dhinakaran and the opposition DMK to defeat it in the RK Nagar bypoll, in which the sidelined party leader emerged victorious. The party is also likely to brainstorm on today's defeat at a meeting here tomorrow, party sources said. Asserting that the win achieved by "conspiracy" by Stalin and Dhinakaran will not affect AIADMK, party coordinator O Panneerselvam and co-coordinator K Palaniswami said DMK, their party's arch rival, faced its "worst defeat" in an election to any Assembly segment in Tamil Nadu so far. Dhinakaran won the bypoll by a thumping margin of over 40,000 votes while DMK candidate N Maruthu Ganesh finished third, garnering 24,651 votes, in the process losing deposit. AIADMKs' E Madhusudanan came second. The bypoll was held to fill the vacancy caused by the death of sitting MLA and then chief minister J Jayalalithaa. "The result of the RK Nagar bypoll is an outcome of the tacit understanding between DMK Working President MK Stalin and Dhinakaran," Panneerselvam and Palaniswami said in a joint statement tonight. Rejecting the charge, Stalin alleged it was the state ministers under the charge of Palaniswami and Panneerselvam who aided the Dhinakaran camp in distributing money to the voters. Responding to reporters' queries on the charge by AIADMK, he asserted that the DMK faced the poll only in "alliance with democracy". "Hence this poll is not a loss for DMK. It is a huge defeat for the Election Commission," Stalin claimed. The joint statement said the bypoll result showed how Stalin and Dhinakaran "planned to defame" party founder, the late MG Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa by "joining hands to defeat" Two leaves, the AIADMK's symbol. "People are amazed how DMK is pushed to a situation where it could not even get the primary votes it has in RK Nagar. At the same time, they are questioning how DMK can enter into a conspiracy with Dhinakaran to defame Amma," they added. Stalin had entered into such a "tacit understanding" unmindful of his party's performance as his sole intention was to target the AIADMK government, they alleged. Taking a swipe at Dhinakaran, the two leaders said he had earlier been expelled from the party by Jayalalithaa along with other relatives of her confidante VK Sasikala. They also accused him of "betraying" Jayalalithaa even after her death by allegedly joining hands with DMK. They cited Dhinakaran's response to the acquittal of DMK leaders Kanimozhi and A Raja, in the 2G spectrum allocation case on December 21, that he was happy for them as they hailed from Tamil Nadu. "The election outcome shows he (Dhinakaran) received DMK votes as a reward for this. Realising he cannot take on AIADMK and Two Leaves directly, Stalin has diverted his party votes to Dhinakaran," they charged and accused the DMK leader of "betraying" his party. The two AIADMK leaders also levelled allegations of money distribution against Dhinakaran. They said Dhinakaran's victory cannot be accepted as the "thought process" of the people of entire Tamil Nadu. The win achieved by "conspiracy" by Stalin and Dhinakaran will not affect AIADMK nor was it a setback, they said. They vowed to take forward the "Amma rule" and deliver welfare and commit to upholding Jayalalithaa's fame. In Coimbatore, senior BJP leader L Ganesan said this was a victory of Jayalalithaa and AIADMK should introspect about the results, which would have been different had it remained a single entity. On his party's performance, Ganesan said people had not not taken into considering the BJP's presence in the contest. This was a factor to be thought about, he added. Senior AIADMK leader and Deputy Speaker in the Lok Sabha M Thambidurai said the result proved that DMK was not able to break the Jayalalithaa citadel and its campaign had no impact on the people.

RK Nagar win for Dinakaran: AIADMK alleges 'tacit understanding' with DMK

<p>ith early trends of counting of votes for RK Nagar bypoll favouring independent candidate TTV Dhinakaran, the sidelined leader today said it showed that people want a change of regime.&nbsp;The sidelined AIADMK leader said, &quot;We are the true AIADMK... People of RK Nagar have elected Amma&#39;s successor&quot;.</p>

<p>He also sought to make light of the K Palaniswami camp winning the Two Leaves symbol after both camps staked a claim for it before the Election Commission.&nbsp;&quot;During my recent visits to various parts of Tamil Nadu such as Avinashi (Tirupur) and Arumanai (Kanyakumari), people said the pressure cooker (his poll symbol at RK Nagar) will win. They want a change of this regime,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>Dhinakaran&#39;s statement to reporters here came in response to the early leads he had taken against his AIADMK rival E Madhusudhanan and DMK&#39;s N Maruthu Ganesh.&nbsp;Claiming victory, he said &quot;this is the best gift for the 1.5 crore party supporters&quot; on the 30th death anniversary of party founder, the late Chief Minister MG Ramachandran, fondly addressed as MGR.</p>

<p>On the symbol issue, with the Election Commission awarding it recently to the Palaniswamy-led camp, Dhinakaran said only a candidate determines the symbol.&nbsp;&quot;We are the true AIADMK. A candidate determines the symbol. I have already said the &#39;Two Leaves&#39; will be a success symbol only if it was with Puratchi Thalaivar (MGR) and Amma (Jayalalithaa). Will the people vote if it is handed over to MN Nambiar and PS Veerappa&quot;, he asked, amidst chuckles from his supporters.</p>

<p>Nambiar and Veerappa are famous yesteryear villains, with the former being cast against MGR in many of the matinee idol&#39;s films.&nbsp;Dhinakaran said the Palaniswami government will &quot;end in three months&quot;. Meanwhile, jubilant supporters of Dhinakaran celebrated by distributing sweets and bursting crackers, while exuding confidence that their leader would triumph with a thumping margin.</p>


Jubilant supporters of Dhinakaran celebrated by distributing sweets and bursting crackers while exuding confidence that their leader would triumph with a thumping margin

ith early trends of counting of votes for RK Nagar bypoll favouring independent candidate TTV Dhinakaran, the sidelined leader today said it showed that people want a change of regime. The sidelined AIADMK leader said, "We are the true AIADMK... People of RK Nagar have elected Amma's successor". He also sought to make light of the K Palaniswami camp winning the Two Leaves symbol after both camps staked a claim for it before the Election Commission. "During my recent visits to various parts of Tamil Nadu such as Avinashi (Tirupur) and Arumanai (Kanyakumari), people said the pressure cooker (his poll symbol at RK Nagar) will win. They want a change of this regime," he said. Dhinakaran's statement to reporters here came in response to the early leads he had taken against his AIADMK rival E Madhusudhanan and DMK's N Maruthu Ganesh. Claiming victory, he said "this is the best gift for the 1.5 crore party supporters" on the 30th death anniversary of party founder, the late Chief Minister MG Ramachandran, fondly addressed as MGR. On the symbol issue, with the Election Commission awarding it recently to the Palaniswamy-led camp, Dhinakaran said only a candidate determines the symbol. "We are the true AIADMK. A candidate determines the symbol. I have already said the 'Two Leaves' will be a success symbol only if it was with Puratchi Thalaivar (MGR) and Amma (Jayalalithaa). Will the people vote if it is handed over to MN Nambiar and PS Veerappa", he asked, amidst chuckles from his supporters. Nambiar and Veerappa are famous yesteryear villains, with the former being cast against MGR in many of the matinee idol's films. Dhinakaran said the Palaniswami government will "end in three months". Meanwhile, jubilant supporters of Dhinakaran celebrated by distributing sweets and bursting crackers, while exuding confidence that their leader would triumph with a thumping margin.

RK Nagar: Dhinakaran says trends reflect people wanting change

<p>The DMK&#39;s MK Stalin has written to the Election Commission accusing the ruling AIADMK of the &quot;large-scale distribution&quot; of money to win the RK Nagar bypoll.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In his letter, Stalin alleged that the AIADMK has distributed over Rs 100 crore.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Tamil Nadu witnessing large-scale distribution of money to the tune of more than Rs 100 Crores by the ruling AIADMK party to the voters for by-election to RK Nagar Assembly Constituency,&quot; Stalin wrote in his letter.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">DMK&#39;s MK Stalin writes to the Election Commission of India, says &quot;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> witnessing large-scale distribution of money to the tune of more than Rs.100 Crores by the ruling AIADMK party to the voters for by-election to RK Nagar Assembly Constituency&quot; <a href="https://t.co/xAwmtDtyGS">pic.twitter.com/xAwmtDtyGS</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/942341081349238786?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Stalin also requested the Election Commission to disqualify AIADMK candidate E Madhusudhanan, telling the commission to &quot;take appropriate and necessary action against AIADMK and the erring officials and to ensure free and fair election RK Nagar Assembly Constituency.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">DMK&#39;s MK Stalin also requests Election Commission to disqualify AIADMK candidate E.Madhusudhanan, says &quot;take appropriate and necessary action against AIADMK and the erring officials and to ensure free and fair election RK Nagar Assembly Constituency&quot;</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/942341528076161024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Key contestants in the bypoll include Madhusudanan, and N Marudhu Ganesh who is the DMK&#39;s candidate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Breakaway AIADMK leader TTV Dinakaran will be contesting the bypoll as an independent candidate.</p>

<p>The RK Nagar bypoll was made necessary by the death of former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa.</p>

<p>The election is also being seen as a litmus test for the ruling party which has been facing a barrage of accusations including of alleged corruption.&nbsp;</p>

<p>News reports said RK Nagar had witnessed chaotic scenes on Saturday after election officials and DMK cadre chased and seized about Rs 13 lakh from men accused of trying to distribute cash to voters.</p>

<p>The reports added that a few men were caught trying to do the same thing today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Sunday, the men were caught trying to distribute packets of biryani and Rs 2,000 notes to voters. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The RK Nagar&nbsp;bypoll had been cancelled in April following allegations of the distribution of cash to voters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bypoll is now to be held on December 21 and campaigning is on in full swing.</p>


RK Nagar had witnessed chaotic scenes on Saturday after election officials and DMK cadre chased and seized about Rs 13 lakh from men accused of trying to distribute cash to voters

The DMK's MK Stalin has written to the Election Commission accusing the ruling AIADMK of the "large-scale distribution" of money to win the RK Nagar bypoll. In his letter, Stalin alleged that the AIADMK has distributed over Rs 100 crore. "Tamil Nadu witnessing large-scale distribution of money to the tune of more than Rs 100 Crores by the ruling AIADMK party to the voters for by-election to RK Nagar Assembly Constituency," Stalin wrote in his letter. DMK's MK Stalin writes to the Election Commission of India, says "#TamilNadu witnessing large-scale distribution of money to the tune of more than Rs.100 Crores by the ruling AIADMK party to the voters for by-election to RK Nagar Assembly Constituency" pic.twitter.com/xAwmtDtyGS — ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2017 × Stalin also requested the Election Commission to disqualify AIADMK candidate E Madhusudhanan, telling the commission to "take appropriate and necessary action against AIADMK and the erring officials and to ensure free and fair election RK Nagar Assembly Constituency." DMK's MK Stalin also requests Election Commission to disqualify AIADMK candidate E.Madhusudhanan, says "take appropriate and necessary action against AIADMK and the erring officials and to ensure free and fair election RK Nagar Assembly Constituency" — ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2017 × Key contestants in the bypoll include Madhusudanan, and N Marudhu Ganesh who is the DMK's candidate. Breakaway AIADMK leader TTV Dinakaran will be contesting the bypoll as an independent candidate. The RK Nagar bypoll was made necessary by the death of former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa. The election is also being seen as a litmus test for the ruling party which has been facing a barrage of accusations including of alleged corruption. News reports said RK Nagar had witnessed chaotic scenes on Saturday after election officials and DMK cadre chased and seized about Rs 13 lakh from men accused of trying to distribute cash to voters. The reports added that a few men were caught trying to do the same thing today. On Sunday, the men were caught trying to distribute packets of biryani and Rs 2,000 notes to voters. The RK Nagar bypoll had been cancelled in April following allegations of the distribution of cash to voters. The bypoll is now to be held on December 21 and campaigning is on in full swing.

RK Nagar bypoll: Stalin writes to EC, says AIADMK distributing 'large-scale money'

<p>&nbsp;TTV Dinakaran will contest the upcoming by-elections in RK Nagar, Chennai on behalf of the TTV-led AIADMK faction.</p>

<p>The decision was reportedly made with the consent of VK Sasikala who is in jail.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">With the consent of VK Sasikala, TTV Dinakaran will be our candidate for upcoming by-elections in RK Nagar(Chennai): Anbalagan,TTV faction <a href="https://t.co/dNYKpZUBsY">pic.twitter.com/dNYKpZUBsY</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/935846273877393408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rk-nagar-bye-poll-on-december-21-counting-on-december-24-24991" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rk-nagar-bye-poll-on-december-21-counting-on-december-24-24991" target="_blank">bypoll</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rk-nagar-bye-poll-on-december-21-counting-on-december-24-24991" target="_blank"> for the constituency from where the late AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa was elected twice</a> to the Assembly will be held on December 21.</p>

<p>The counting will take place on December 24.</p>

<p>The Election Commission had cancelled the by-elections in Chennai&#39;s RK Nagar constituency earlier this year.</p>

<p>The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-election-commission-cancels-rk-nagar-bypolls-in-chennai-14360" target="_blank">elections were cancelled after allegations </a>of cash against votes had surfaced.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Election Commission had then said that the by-elections will be conducted when the effect created by the distribution of money and gifts subsides.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added that with the passage of the time the atmosphere in the constituency will become conducive to the holding of free and fair elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The need for conducting by-elections in the constituency arose after the death of J.Jayalalithaa.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The decision has come with the consent of VK Sasikala

TTV Dinakaran will contest the upcoming by-elections in RK Nagar, Chennai on behalf of the TTV-led AIADMK faction. The decision was reportedly made with the consent of VK Sasikala who is in jail. With the consent of VK Sasikala, TTV Dinakaran will be our candidate for upcoming by-elections in RK Nagar(Chennai): Anbalagan,TTV faction pic.twitter.com/dNYKpZUBsY — ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2017 × The bypoll for the constituency from where the late AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa was elected twice to the Assembly will be held on December 21. The counting will take place on December 24. The Election Commission had cancelled the by-elections in Chennai's RK Nagar constituency earlier this year. The elections were cancelled after allegations of cash against votes had surfaced. The Election Commission had then said that the by-elections will be conducted when the effect created by the distribution of money and gifts subsides. It added that with the passage of the time the atmosphere in the constituency will become conducive to the holding of free and fair elections. The need for conducting by-elections in the constituency arose after the death of J.Jayalalithaa.

TTV Dinakaran to contest RK Nagar by-polls, with Sasikala's consent

<p>The Madras high court has extended the stay order on the floor test in the Tamil Nadu assembly until further orders.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Madras HC extends stay order on floor test in Tamil Nadu Assembly until further orders. <a href="https://t.co/4FlrngmRpL">pic.twitter.com/4FlrngmRpL</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/910412921603158018">September 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The high court was hearing a plea by the 18 MLAs who had been disqualified by Tamil Nadu assembly Speaker P Dhanapal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The court also ordered that there be no election notification to the seats of the 18 MLAs</p>

<p>The high court did not however stay their disqualification.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The case has been adjourned to October 4.</p>


The high court was hearing a plea by the 18 MLAs who had been disqualified by Tamil Nadu assembly Speaker P Dhanapal

The Madras high court has extended the stay order on the floor test in the Tamil Nadu assembly until further orders. Madras HC extends stay order on floor test in Tamil Nadu Assembly until further orders. pic.twitter.com/4FlrngmRpL — ANI (@ANI) September 20, 2017 × The high court was hearing a plea by the 18 MLAs who had been disqualified by Tamil Nadu assembly Speaker P Dhanapal. The court also ordered that there be no election notification to the seats of the 18 MLAs The high court did not however stay their disqualification. The case has been adjourned to October 4.

Madras HC extends stay order on Tamil Nadu assembly floor test

<p>VK Sasikala has been expelled from the AIADMK.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Temporary General Secy post stands forfeited. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sasikala?src=hash">#Sasikala</a> is expelled: RB Udaykumar,TN Min reads out resolution at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AiadmkGeneralCouncil?src=hash">#AiadmkGeneralCouncil</a> <a href="https://t.co/zQwsXJ2Cit">pic.twitter.com/zQwsXJ2Cit</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/907486318984175616">September 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">AIADMK to be unified faction&amp;we will retrieve &#39;two leaves&#39; party symbol: RB Udaykumar,TN Min reads out resolution at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AiadmkGeneralCouncil?src=hash">#AiadmkGeneralCouncil</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/907484078558945280">September 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">All those appointed by Amma(Jayalalithaa) as office bearers, to continue: RB Udaykumar,TN Min reads out resolution at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AiadmkGeneralCouncil?src=hash">#AiadmkGeneralCouncil</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/907484458697162752">September 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">All announcements of TTV Dinakaran are not binding on the party:RB Udaykumar,TN Min reads out resolution at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AiadmkGeneralCouncil?src=hash">#AiadmkGeneralCouncil</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/907486928412348417">September 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Sasikala was the party&#39;s interim general secretary.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The decision to expel her was taken today at a meeting of the AIADMK general council attended by both the E Palaniswami and O Panneerselvam factions of the AIADMK.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Palaniswami is the chief minister of Tamil Nadu. Panneerselvam is the deputy chief minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was also announced that the two factions of the AIADMK -- which united in August -- would retrieve the party&#39;s &quot;two leaves&quot; symbol.&nbsp;</p>

<p>And that all officer bearers appointed by Jayalalithaa would continue, but that all announcements made by Sasikala&#39;s nephew TTV Dinakaran would not be binding on the party.&nbsp;</p>


The decision was taken today at a meeting of the AIADMK general council attended by both the EPS and OPS factions of the party

VK Sasikala has been expelled from the AIADMK. Temporary General Secy post stands forfeited. #Sasikala is expelled: RB Udaykumar,TN Min reads out resolution at #AiadmkGeneralCouncil pic.twitter.com/zQwsXJ2Cit — ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2017 × AIADMK to be unified faction&we will retrieve 'two leaves' party symbol: RB Udaykumar,TN Min reads out resolution at #AiadmkGeneralCouncil — ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2017 × All those appointed by Amma(Jayalalithaa) as office bearers, to continue: RB Udaykumar,TN Min reads out resolution at #AiadmkGeneralCouncil — ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2017 × All announcements of TTV Dinakaran are not binding on the party:RB Udaykumar,TN Min reads out resolution at #AiadmkGeneralCouncil — ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2017 × Sasikala was the party's interim general secretary. The decision to expel her was taken today at a meeting of the AIADMK general council attended by both the E Palaniswami and O Panneerselvam factions of the AIADMK. Palaniswami is the chief minister of Tamil Nadu. Panneerselvam is the deputy chief minister. It was also announced that the two factions of the AIADMK -- which united in August -- would retrieve the party's "two leaves" symbol. And that all officer bearers appointed by Jayalalithaa would continue, but that all announcements made by Sasikala's nephew TTV Dinakaran would not be binding on the party.

Sasikala expelled from AIADMK

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>A day after TTV Dinakaran sacked several ministers including Tamil Nadu chief minister K Palaniswami as the party&#39;s Salem district secretary, the AIADMK (Amma) Monday passed resolutions calling off all appointments made by him.</p>

<p>Four resolutions were passed at a meeting held by Tamil Nadu chief minister K Palaniswami at the AIADMK headquarters in Chennai where the party declared Dinakaran&#39;s appointments as &quot;null and void&quot;.</p>

<p>The meeting said that Dinakaran was sacked from the post of deputy general secretary on August 10 itself, therefore any changes made by him in the party posts were invalid.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One of the resolutions adopted by the party meeting said Dhinakaran had &quot;no authority or qualification&quot; to remove the appointees of late AIADMK chief Jayalalithaa.</p>

<p>He was appointed as deputy general secretary by Sasikala before her imprisonment to the Bengaluru jail. The resolution said he was not authorised by relevant party bye-laws. Also the Election Commission had refused to accept his appointment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;With the Election Commission so far not recognising V K Sasikala&#39;s appointment as general secretary, which was done as an interim measure, the appointment of Dhinakaran as deputy general secretary by her and his getting involved in party affairs is against party laws,&quot; it said.</p>

<p>The resolution said that they had very clearly stated all this to Dhinakaran.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dhinakaran was already made familiar to all this by &quot;functionaries appointed by &#39;Amma&#39; (Jayalalithaa),&quot;.</p>

<p>Dhinakaran and his followers have dismissed Palaniswami&#39;s meeting and the resolution passed at the AIADMK headquarters, claiming that only the party&#39;s general secretary has the authority to hold a meeting and they were not invited to the party meeting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dhinakaran, nephew of Sasikala, along with the support of 21 MLAs is demanding the removal of Palaniswami as CM. Since the merger, he has also been trying to prove his authority over the party by bringing in his supporters and removing the already existing ones.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Questioning the legality of the appointments made by Sasikala before going to jail the meeting has also adopted a resolution to call a general council meeting for the expulsion of jailed party chief.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="et">Tamil Nadu: EPS-OPS supporters protest against VK Sasikala and TTV Dinakaran at AIADMK headquarter in Chennai. <a href="https://t.co/sAmXzfEGpA">pic.twitter.com/sAmXzfEGpA</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/902054873889349632">August 28, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sasikala&#39;s appointed as the interim general secretary of the party on 29 December after the demise of former chief minister and party supremo J Jayalalithaa, was already approaching an end since the merger of the two factions.<br />
&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
On August 20 when the two factions of the AIADMK, led by Palaniswami and O Panneerselvam came together, MP R Vaithilingam had already indicated on the removal of Sasikala from the party post. This was one of the demands raised by Panneerselvam and his faction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Besides this, the meeting has also decided to bring back the party backed media &#39;Namathu Dr MGR&#39;&nbsp;and &#39;Jaya TV&#39;.</p>

<p>Jaya TV and the daily were launched following efforts of Jayalalithaa and the contribution of lakhs of party workers and therefore they are our party&#39;s assets,&quot; it said.</p>

<p>One of the resolutions also said it has been resolved to strive hard to &quot;protect &quot; the party and its government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some of the party MLAs and MPs were not present at the meeting.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Majority of party office bearers, MLAs &amp; MPs have attended the meeting: D Jayakumar on talks of number of MLAs boycotting <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AIADMK?src=hash">#AIADMK</a> meeting <a href="https://t.co/xii04DQBfD">pic.twitter.com/xii04DQBfD</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/902084310089457664">August 28, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Tamil Nadu's chief minister K Palaniswami held a?meeting of the AIADMK (Amma) today at the AIADMK headquarter

A day after TTV Dinakaran sacked several ministers including Tamil Nadu chief minister K Palaniswami as the party's Salem district secretary, the AIADMK (Amma) Monday passed resolutions calling off all appointments made by him. Four resolutions were passed at a meeting held by Tamil Nadu chief minister K Palaniswami at the AIADMK headquarters in Chennai where the party declared Dinakaran's appointments as "null and void". The meeting said that Dinakaran was sacked from the post of deputy general secretary on August 10 itself, therefore any changes made by him in the party posts were invalid. One of the resolutions adopted by the party meeting said Dhinakaran had "no authority or qualification" to remove the appointees of late AIADMK chief Jayalalithaa. He was appointed as deputy general secretary by Sasikala before her imprisonment to the Bengaluru jail. The resolution said he was not authorised by relevant party bye-laws. Also the Election Commission had refused to accept his appointment. "With the Election Commission so far not recognising V K Sasikala's appointment as general secretary, which was done as an interim measure, the appointment of Dhinakaran as deputy general secretary by her and his getting involved in party affairs is against party laws," it said. The resolution said that they had very clearly stated all this to Dhinakaran. Dhinakaran was already made familiar to all this by "functionaries appointed by 'Amma' (Jayalalithaa),". Dhinakaran and his followers have dismissed Palaniswami's meeting and the resolution passed at the AIADMK headquarters, claiming that only the party's general secretary has the authority to hold a meeting and they were not invited to the party meeting. Dhinakaran, nephew of Sasikala, along with the support of 21 MLAs is demanding the removal of Palaniswami as CM. Since the merger, he has also been trying to prove his authority over the party by bringing in his supporters and removing the already existing ones. Questioning the legality of the appointments made by Sasikala before going to jail the meeting has also adopted a resolution to call a general council meeting for the expulsion of jailed party chief. Tamil Nadu: EPS-OPS supporters protest against VK Sasikala and TTV Dinakaran at AIADMK headquarter in Chennai. pic.twitter.com/sAmXzfEGpA — ANI (@ANI) August 28, 2017 × Sasikala's appointed as the interim general secretary of the party on 29 December after the demise of former chief minister and party supremo J Jayalalithaa, was already approaching an end since the merger of the two factions. On August 20 when the two factions of the AIADMK, led by Palaniswami and O Panneerselvam came together, MP R Vaithilingam had already indicated on the removal of Sasikala from the party post. This was one of the demands raised by Panneerselvam and his faction. Besides this, the meeting has also decided to bring back the party backed media 'Namathu Dr MGR' and 'Jaya TV'. Jaya TV and the daily were launched following efforts of Jayalalithaa and the contribution of lakhs of party workers and therefore they are our party's assets," it said. One of the resolutions also said it has been resolved to strive hard to "protect " the party and its government. Some of the party MLAs and MPs were not present at the meeting. Majority of party office bearers, MLAs & MPs have attended the meeting: D Jayakumar on talks of number of MLAs boycotting #AIADMK meeting pic.twitter.com/xii04DQBfD — ANI (@ANI) August 28, 2017 ×

AIADMK party meeting plans to sack Sasikala, claims Dinakaran is already expelled

<p>Eighteen AIADMK (Amma) MLAs, who support TTV Dinakaran, checked into a seaside resort in Puducherry on Tuesday to show their support towards Dinakaran and protest against Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and deputy CM O Panneerselvam.&nbsp;</p>

<p>MLA Thanga Tamilselvan was the first to reach the Windflower Resort and Spa at 5 pm, followed by K Kathirkamu, N G Parthiban, C Jayanthi Padmanabhan, S Muthiah (Paramakudi), R Thangathurai and Mariappam Kennady, the Times of India reported.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash">#TamilNadu</a> Windflower resort near Chennai where MLAs supporting TTV Dhinakaran are lodged <a href="https://t.co/6hPN4iRxds">pic.twitter.com/6hPN4iRxds</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/900236501941866497">August 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AIADMK?src=hash">#AIADMK</a> supporters hold protest near Windflower resort in Puducherry where MLAs supporting TTV Dhinakaran are lodged <a href="https://t.co/Ottxe4YJIM">pic.twitter.com/Ottxe4YJIM</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/900238858117193728">August 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>All of Dinakaran&rsquo;s supporters except P Vetrivel reached the resort by 8 pm.</p>

<p>The MLAs said they came to the resort to &ldquo;rest and relax&rdquo;, the TOI reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dinakaran is expected to visit the resort for discussions with his supporters on Wednesday,&nbsp;</p>

<p>A resort employee told the TOI&nbsp;he received a call to block rooms in the resort for &quot;a couple of days&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is a repeat of February&rsquo;s incident when around 100 AIADMK (Amma) MLAs got themselves lodged in two resorts under interim general secretary V K Sasikala&#39;s orders.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two factions of the AIADMK had announced their merger on August 21, with O Panneerselvam being sworn in as deputy chief minister.</p>

<p>One of Panneerselvam&#39;s preconditions for the merger was the removal of party supremo Sasikala and her family members from the AIADMK.</p>

<p>Dinakaran is Sasikala&#39;s nephew.</p>

<p>Should Dinakaran break away from the party with his 19 MLAs, it will throw the AIADMK&#39;s majority in the Tamil Nadu assembly into jeopardy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The breakaway MLAs and the DMK have already asked for a floor test, and the latest reports say the Congress has chimed in with a similar demand.&nbsp;</p>


There are a total of 19 MLAs reportedly supporting Dinakaran

Eighteen AIADMK (Amma) MLAs, who support TTV Dinakaran, checked into a seaside resort in Puducherry on Tuesday to show their support towards Dinakaran and protest against Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and deputy CM O Panneerselvam. MLA Thanga Tamilselvan was the first to reach the Windflower Resort and Spa at 5 pm, followed by K Kathirkamu, N G Parthiban, C Jayanthi Padmanabhan, S Muthiah (Paramakudi), R Thangathurai and Mariappam Kennady, the Times of India reported. #TamilNadu Windflower resort near Chennai where MLAs supporting TTV Dhinakaran are lodged pic.twitter.com/6hPN4iRxds — ANI (@ANI) August 23, 2017 × #AIADMK supporters hold protest near Windflower resort in Puducherry where MLAs supporting TTV Dhinakaran are lodged pic.twitter.com/Ottxe4YJIM — ANI (@ANI) August 23, 2017 × All of Dinakaran’s supporters except P Vetrivel reached the resort by 8 pm. The MLAs said they came to the resort to “rest and relax”, the TOI reported. Dinakaran is expected to visit the resort for discussions with his supporters on Wednesday, A resort employee told the TOI he received a call to block rooms in the resort for "a couple of days". This is a repeat of February’s incident when around 100 AIADMK (Amma) MLAs got themselves lodged in two resorts under interim general secretary V K Sasikala's orders. The two factions of the AIADMK had announced their merger on August 21, with O Panneerselvam being sworn in as deputy chief minister. One of Panneerselvam's preconditions for the merger was the removal of party supremo Sasikala and her family members from the AIADMK. Dinakaran is Sasikala's nephew. Should Dinakaran break away from the party with his 19 MLAs, it will throw the AIADMK's majority in the Tamil Nadu assembly into jeopardy. The breakaway MLAs and the DMK have already asked for a floor test, and the latest reports say the Congress has chimed in with a similar demand.

TN: 18 MLAs supporting Dinakaran check into Puducherry resort

<p>AIADMK party sources dismissed reports of an immediate merger between the two factions of the party late Friday, stating that a few &quot;ticklish&quot; issues had to be sorted out first.</p>

<p>Former Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam held consultations with his loyalists, while chief minister E Palaniswami held marathon talks with his cabinet colleagues.</p>

<p>Speculation is rife that the two factions of the AIADMK will be annoucing their merger soon.</p>

<p>News reports said there has been &quot;hectic political activity in Chennai&quot;.&nbsp;The Palaniswami-Panneerselvam factions met for over four hours today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>And that Jayalalithaa&#39;s memorial at Marina Beach had been decked up with flowers.&nbsp;However, it soon became apparent that there were hurdles to the merger talks, with leaders of both factions starting to leave the venue.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hectic political activity in Chennai with regard to possible <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AIADMKMerger?src=hash">#AIADMKMerger</a> (visuals from outside OPS&#39;s residence) <a href="https://t.co/Y65FW2UMTv">pic.twitter.com/Y65FW2UMTv</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/898551365953179649">August 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chennai: Leaders expected at J Jayalalithaa memorial after possible <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AIADMKMerger?src=hash">#AIADMKMerger</a> <a href="https://t.co/8qxyEHjnGC">pic.twitter.com/8qxyEHjnGC</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/898552053470871552">August 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Tamil Nadu chief minister E Palaniswami had on Thursday announced a judicial enquiry into Jayalalithaa&#39;s death, and that the former chief minister&#39;s Poes Garden home would be turned into a museum.&nbsp;</p>

<p>That took care of two of the three conditions laid down by O Panneerselvam for a merger of the two parties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The third condition was the removal of current party supremo VK Sasikala and members of her family from the party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Palaniswami had earlier this month removed Sasikala&#39;s nephew TTV Dinakaran from the post of deputy general secretary of the party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sasikala herself is currently in a Bengaluru jail after she was convicted in a disproportionate assets case.&nbsp;</p>


News reports said there has been 'hectic political activity in Chennai'

AIADMK party sources dismissed reports of an immediate merger between the two factions of the party late Friday, stating that a few "ticklish" issues had to be sorted out first. Former Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam held consultations with his loyalists, while chief minister E Palaniswami held marathon talks with his cabinet colleagues. Speculation is rife that the two factions of the AIADMK will be annoucing their merger soon. News reports said there has been "hectic political activity in Chennai". The Palaniswami-Panneerselvam factions met for over four hours today. And that Jayalalithaa's memorial at Marina Beach had been decked up with flowers. However, it soon became apparent that there were hurdles to the merger talks, with leaders of both factions starting to leave the venue. Hectic political activity in Chennai with regard to possible #AIADMKMerger (visuals from outside OPS's residence) pic.twitter.com/Y65FW2UMTv — ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2017 × Chennai: Leaders expected at J Jayalalithaa memorial after possible #AIADMKMerger pic.twitter.com/8qxyEHjnGC — ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2017 × Tamil Nadu chief minister E Palaniswami had on Thursday announced a judicial enquiry into Jayalalithaa's death, and that the former chief minister's Poes Garden home would be turned into a museum. That took care of two of the three conditions laid down by O Panneerselvam for a merger of the two parties. The third condition was the removal of current party supremo VK Sasikala and members of her family from the party. Palaniswami had earlier this month removed Sasikala's nephew TTV Dinakaran from the post of deputy general secretary of the party. Sasikala herself is currently in a Bengaluru jail after she was convicted in a disproportionate assets case.

AIADMK merger deferred for now: Party sources

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