In a statement today MIC Youth chief C Sivarraajh said “the once-divided party is from today united again and ready to take on the enemies of the Barisan Nasional”.
He said all branch, division, state and national leaders formerly aligned with Palanivel had rejoined the party. Among them was Sothinathan, who had previously led Palanivel’s faction.
A few remained outside the party and were holding out in hopes of securing perks and positions, he said.
He gave no further details about the return of the estranged faction.
In September, party leader Subramainam said the MIC had offered an olive branch to those who had left. He was eager for the return of those in the opposing camp, to strengthen the party’s chances at the next general election.
Palanivel and Subramaniam led opposing factions in a bitter feud over irregularities at the party elections of 2013.
In December 2014, the Registrar of Societies ordered the party to hold fresh elections for three vice-presidents and 23 members of the Central Working Committee.
Palanivel refused, causing a split in the party and state committees. The registrar declared Subramaniam as party chief and acting president to conduct fresh elections, and Palanivel’s challenge of the registrar’s order was dismissed by the courts.