The AIADMK led O Paneerselvam (OPS) faction, has set Tuesday, as the deadline for talks with the ruling E Palaniswamy (EPS) camp of the party.

The Ex Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, would undertake a statewide tour soon, says sources.

Last week, in a party cadre meeting organized by Mettur MLA S Semmalai, the MLA was quoted as saying that, “Panneerselvam will commence the tour from Kancheepuram.” A senior member from the committee formed by the OPS camp reportedly added that, “whichever way the talks go, we expect to arrive at a clear picture. In fact, our deadline is Tuesday.” There is also a possibility of some members of the EPS coming over to the Panneerselvam side in the next few days, added the MLA. However, another report claimed that the Panneerselvam tour would begin in the first week of June.

Some of the party cadre members, reportedly expressed disapproval of talks with the OPS camp. According to a report, to increase his support and also to prepare the faction for local body polls, Paneerselvam will embark on the tour from May 5. The State former CM, may also appoint district-level officers during the tour. To raise support among the public, Paneerselvam is likely to speak at a public meeting today.

For the talks to start, the OPS camp has put forth two demands. The first is the removal of AIADMK chief Sasikala Natarajan and her nephew TTV Dinakaran from the party. The second is a CBI enquiry into late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa’s death.

SUPRAJA