Dhinakaran faction warned the chief minister that he would be replaced if his activities did not go down well with the party. The much expected merger between the two factions last night had failed to come off following reported divergent views among the members of the Panneerselvam faction. However, merger talks remained inconclusive leading to a delay in the rival factions coming together. Two special wreaths were also kept ready apparently to enable Palaniswami and Panneerselvam to offer their respects at the burial site. After it became clear that the merger talks would be deferred, the wreaths were removed and the public was allowed to enter the burial site later.

Source: Mint August 19, 2017 12:56 UTC