The Opposition parties on Monday blamed the BJP for the disqualification of 18 MLAs of the T.T.V. Dhinakaran faction of the ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in Tamil Nadu, saying the Speaker had acted on Centre’s directions. They expressed doubts if his decision would stand judicial scrutiny.
Nineteen MLAs had submitted a memorandum to Governor Ch. Vidyasagar Rao, withdrawing their support to Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami.
The Opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam called the disqualification a desperate attempt by the BJP to get a toehold in Tamil Nadu.
“The script is written from Delhi. They ensured two things. One, they told the Governor not to press for a floor test by citing the excuse that it is an internal matter of the AIADMK. Now they instructed the Speaker to disqualify the dissident MLAs under the anti-defection law,” T.K.S. Elangovan, DMK Parliamentarian, told The Hindu .
‘Undemocratic’ action
The CPI(M) called the entire episode “undemocratic”. “Earlier, the Opposition parties had told the Governor that the Palaniswami government must establish its majority on the floor of the House; subsequently, many of us in Delhi met the President requesting him to direct the Governor to hold the floor test; otherwise, it would lead to horse trading. Now it is clear, the Union government is favouring the Palaniswami government by converting his minority government into a majority government. It is highly undemocratic,” CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said.
He was part of the Opposition delegation which met President Ram Nath Kovind on August 31.
The other question is whether or not the Speaker’s decision would stand judicial scrutiny. The disqualified MLAs have already moved the Madras High Court. “If it is under the anti-defection law, one has to decide who represents the original party. That decision is still pending. These 18 MLAs went to the Governor asking to replace the Chief Minister. How is it a violation of any party whip? It is doubtful that the decision will stand up to judicial scrutiny,” D. Raja, CPI MP, said.
Subramanian Swamy, BJP MP, questioned the Speaker’s move.
“He [Tamil Nadu Speaker] suspended them according to which law? I am surprised the Speaker has disregarded the Supreme Court judgments and the basic principles of criminal law. The criminal law requires some offence to be committed. What offence they have committed? They have only said that they will vote against Edappadi K. Palaniswami, how does it warrant disqualification,” he asked.
