Blaming Governor Ch. Vidyasagar Rao’s inaction on the Opposition’s demand for a floor test for the “murder of democracy” in the State, sidelined AIADMK (Amma) leader T.T.V. Dhinakaran on Monday claimed that even now over a dozen MLAs from the Chief Minister’s camp were supporting him. These MLAs would act decisively to protect the party and democracy when a floor test is held in the Assembly, he claimed.
The Governor’s “failure to uphold the dignity of his position” and act on the letters submitted by the MLAs, expressing lack of confidence on Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami, has led to the stifling of democracy in the State.
“I did not expect this from Speaker P. Dhanapal. Nevertheless, we are confident that the court will render us justice,” he told reporters here. Mr. Dhinakaran claimed that many MLAs were in touch with him and had expressed shock over the Speaker’s decision.
He reiterated that the Edappadi Palaniswami-led government would soon be “sent home.” Accusing Mr. Palaniswami of abusing his powers, Mr. Dhinakaran charged that he was “betrayal personified.” Referring to Mr. Palaniswami’s remark that he would soon have to go to prison, Mr. Dhinakaran retorted that it will be the Chief Minister and his family members who would have to go to the jail soon.
‘Won’t be cowed down’
When asked about the police action initiated against disqualified MLAs Palaniappan and Senthil Balaji, Mr. Dhinakaran said he and those supporting him will not be cowed down by threats of cases. “Mr. Palaniswami is on the edge and his abusing his power,” he said.
Mr. Dhinakaran also thanked all political parties, including the DMK, which have condemned the murder of democracy in the State. However, he made it clear that the DMK was their main opponent.
‘Reasons invalid’
Talking to mediapersons in Chennai, disqualified MLA P. Vetrivel said that the disqualification has not been made for valid reasons and they were prepared to face it legally.
“There was no whip issued to us. We only called on the Governor and made allegations. We have not disobeyed any whip issued to us,” he said.
Questioning as to why action was not taken against former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam and 11 other MLAs for disobeying the whip issued for the confidence motion in the Assembly in February this year, Mr. Vetrivel said, “It was we who supported the government and gave complaints against those who disobeyed the whip.”
(With inputs from Dennis S. Jesudasan in Chennai)
