AIADMK merger: Party whip calls for disqualification of 19 rebel MLAs from team Dhinakaran

The ongoing tussle for power in the ruling AIADMK today saw the government whip seeking disqualification of the 19 MLAs supporting sidelined deputy general secretary TTV Dhinakaran from the Tamil Nadu Assembly following their revolt against Chief Minister K Palaniswamy. The speaker, too, issueed notice to the MLAs seeking explanation on plea for their disqualification

Chief government whip S Rajendran took up with the Assembly Speaker the issue of disqualification of all 19 legislators who met state Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao two days ago.

Citing reports, Rajendran said the MLAs had told the governor they were “withdrawing” support to the Palaniswamy government.

On February 14, a unanimous decision had been taken to elect Palaniswamy as AIADMK Legislature Party Leader and there was no change in it, Rajendran said, reading out a from a statement at a hurriedly convened press meet.

“Further, they have also addressed the media. This is anti-party (activity). Since such an act implies voluntary relinquishing of membership, they are liable to be disqualified under Tenth Schedule of the Constitution,” he said.

Pointing this as well as a relevant Tamil Nadu anti-defection act, he said he had submitted a memorandum to Dhanapal seeking disqualification of the 19 MLAs.

Their meeting with the Governor was …read more