Last month, the Election Commission had issued an interim order freezing the ‘two leaves’ symbol of AIADMK, denying its use by both the factions.

The EC order came before the RK Nagar assembly byelections, which was later cancelled.

Facing a difficult time which might jeopardise the future of the party which still runs in the name of the "Amma" or Jayalalithaa, the warring factions, however, made a move for reconciliation and looked set for a merger.

But the move  got mired in bitter differences even after the ruling faction, led by Chief Minister E Palaniswami, accepted the Paneerselvam camp's demand for the  ouster of Sasikala and her nephew TTV Dinakaran from their posts respectively as General Secretary and Deputy General Secretary.

Paneerselvam, who leads (AIADMK-Puratchi Thalaivi Amma) group, maintained  a stand, demanding the expulsion of the  duo from the party and there were war or words over the way to seal the deal for a merger.