The two warring factions of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) - one led by the Chief Minister E. Palanisamy (EPS) and the other by O. Panneerselvam who alleged serious corruption charges in a surprise twist announced a merger, citing that 'MGR always wanted to see us united, not split.'

Panneerselvam is now Deputy Chief Minister under the merged AIADMK government. He was given the additional charge of Finance Ministry and sworn-in today

While addressing the people, Palanisamy said that there will be 11 people in a committee to co-ordinate in the merger. He further added that the party's first priority will be to retrieve the two leaves symbol and will fulfill all the promises made by former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa.

Also Sasikala the General Secretary of the party will be removed with Dy. Coordiante member Vaithiyalingam has said.

Late in the evening, raising pro-Sasikala slogans, the 18 lawmakers reached the Jayalalithaa memorial in Chennai, and said P Vetrivel, one of the supporters of Ms Sasikala.. "The Tamil Nadu Governor has given us appointment at 10 am tomorrow. We'll discuss the issue with him".

The AIADMK has 134 members in the 234-member house. If 18 lawmakers rebel, in support and 3 non party affiliate MLAs who given the support for TTV faction the strength of the united party will come down to 113 - which will be 4 less than simple majority.

Opposition party DMK is closely watching the developments.