AIADMK Karnataka State Secretary V. Pugazhendi said on Sunday it would be end-game for the government led by Edappadi K. Palaniswami, if he does not step down as Chief Minister.
“The current dispensation will be saved (from collapse) by the party Deputy General Secretary Dhinakaran only if the Chief Minister steps down. The 22 MLAs (in the Dhinakaran camp) cannot be held responsible if the government falls as a fallout of the no-confidence motion moved by the DMK," he told mediapersons here on Sunday. Whoever causes disrepute to the party will be thrown out; more are in line for expulsion, he said, referring to the removal of the Chief Minister from the post of Salem district secretary by Mr. Dhinakaran.
Mr. Palaniswami's retention of the security meant for late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa in view of the threat perception she had faced was unwarranted, he said.
Mr. Pugazhendi said it was a matter of regret that the police was tacitly permitting burning of the effigy of Mr. Dhinakaran by the Chief Minister's supporters.
He said it was improper on the part of the Assembly Speaker Dhanapal to have issued notices to the MLAs in the Dhinakaran camp seeking their replies.
The notices were issued after the Chief Government Whip had sought their disqualification for alleged anti-party activities. The party was considering legal means for disqualification of 11 MLAs led by erstwhile Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam.
The Speaker will have to explain why no action was initiated under anti-defection law against the breakaway group that had voted against the Government during the no-confidence motion, Mr. Pugazhendi added.
