Chennai, May 28 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar is expected to decide on Thursday regarding the merger of the two rival AIADMK factions after leaders from both camps formally withdrew their petitions against each other and submitted representations claiming unity within the party.

Speaking to reporters, the Speaker said both factions had requested withdrawal of the disqualification petitions filed during the recent political crisis and that he would examine the documents before making an official announcement.

The development came after extensive 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 from the Velumani camp travelled from the residence of C.V. Shanmugam to meet EPS in Chennai.

Sources said the rebel legislators submitted apology letters to EPS and sought restoration of the party posts that had earlier been removed following the split within the party. Soon after meeting EPS, Velumani and the MLAs met Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar and formally submitted a letter withdrawing their support to the TVK-led government headed by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.

Leaders from both camps later jointly visited the Speaker’s office, signalling the formal reunification of the party. They also withdrew earlier petitions relating to the appointment of the party whip and informed the Speaker that they were now functioning as a single team.

The MLAs submitted fresh representations seeking recognition of Edappadi K. Palaniswami as the leader of the AIADMK Legislature Party and appointing Agri Krishnamoorthy as the party whip in the Assembly.

The Speaker personally read out the names of the MLAs who submitted the petitions and verified their presence individually. However, sources said senior leader C.V. Shanmugam did not appear before the Speaker in person, and it remains unclear whether his petition was formally accepted.

Despite the apparent truce, uncertainty continues over Shanmugam’s political future.

Reports said he initially refused to meet EPS and was persuaded by senior leader P. Thangamani to join the discussions. He is currently consulting supporters at his Chennai residence amid growing differences within sections of the AIADMK over his possible re-entry into the EPS camp.

–IANS

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