AIADMK sources said that the EPS-OPS regime is all set to approach the ‘magic number’ of majority on the floor of the Assembly as many MLAs who were earlier supporting Dinakaran are expected to shun him and return to the ‘parent’ organization.

Election Commission allotted the ‘Two-Leaves’ symbol of the AIADMK to the ruling faction led by the duo of OPS and EPS and allowed it to use the party’s name and flag, thus disappointing Dinakaran (nephew of Sasikala) who was keen in playing spoilsport in ensuring that the AIADMK never got back its frozen symbol, name and flag.

Talks (behind-the-screen) are already on, party sources say, between MLAs on Dinakaran’s side and those in the ruling party as the former bunch wants to come back to the ‘ruling party’ for obvious reasons. It may be recalled that Speaker Dhanapal had earlier disqualified 18 MLAs supporting Dinakaran for having petitioned Governor (without intimating Party Whip) about losing trust on the chief-minister.

The MLAs apparently want to preserve ‘something’ for the future as they visualilze that their future would be bleak if they continue to support Dinakaran. Re-aligning with the parent organization may also get them back their status as ‘MLA’ as the Speaker might reconsider striking off his earlier order disqualifying them.