With the AIADMK split into two warring camps, MK Stalin of Tamil Nadu’s main opposition party DMK met Governor C Vidyasagar Rao amid intense speculation that his party too could stake claim to form government in the state or back O Panneerselvam.
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Rao was said to be still evaluating the legal opinion on Sasikala’s claim to having an overwhelming support among party MLAs while the judgement of Supreme Court on the disproportionate assets case was imminent next week.
She asserted that all the party MLAs were with her and hence there is “no problem” in her becoming the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister.
Dispelling rumours about his proximity to the DMK, as alleged by party supremo Sasikala and others, Panneerselvam, noted that false information was being spread about him. Now, the AIADMK legislators will take a call, weighing their own self-interest. NTR, as the popular film star turned politician was known, asked for a day to prove his majority while the upstart was given a month by the Governor to prove his.
Questioning his expulsion from the AIADMK, Madhusoodhanan has petitioned the Election Commission that Sasikala’s election as the party general secretary was in violation of the party’s bylaws as she had not completed five years as a member. “Similarly, a panel to protect the properties of late leader Jayalalithaa will be formed”, said Madhusudhanan. “There was no delay in taking Amma to the hospital”, she added.
The veteran party leader also said that soon a date will be announced for electing a new general secretary. If large-scale defections from Sasikala’s camp to the Panneerselvam faction occur and there is a state of flux, there may be no option but to impose President’s rule and to keep the Assembly in suspended animation.
Party leader Thambidurai claimed Sasikala has the support of 134 out of 234 lawmakers. Panneerselvam needs the support of 117 AIADMK MLAs.
The BJP, of course, will not want to remain mute any more as far as Tamil Nadu is concerned. Tension prevailed after people engaged by the supporters of Sasikala, who have been guarding the resort to prevent the journalists in meeting the MLAs, pelted stones at a section of media persons.
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AIADMK’s arch rival – DMK – has urged for Governor Rao intervention to ensure that a “democratically and Constitutionally valid” government was in place in the state through a “free-and-fair floor test” in the Assembly.
