With the ruling AIADMK looking a tad weaker without the presence of its general secretary Jayalalithaa as the Chief Minister, the Opposition parties have sensed a major opportunity to take on the government in the Assembly session that begins on Thursday.
The DMK president, M. Karunanidhi, on Wednesday chaired a meeting of party MLAs at Anna Arivalayam. Sources said the party would focus on allegations of irregularities in purchase of private power and adulteration in milk supply. The party is also likely to raise the issue of alleged losses to the exchequer in the procurement of pulses, an issue which has already been raked up by the CPI(M) and PMK outside the Assembly. The DMDK too is likely to shoot questions to the government on these issues. The difference between the two parties though would be in referencing to the disproportionate assets case of Ms. Jayalalithaa during the session.
The DMK sources said the issue could turn into a “double-edged sword” since its leaders too are facing corruption charges in the 2G case. The party treasurer, M.K. Stalin, will lead the charge in the debates. On the other hand, DMDK leader Vijayakant returned to Chennai from Malaysia early on Wednesday.
Party sources said no formal discussion was held on the strategy to be followed in the Assembly. The MLAs will get a briefing on Thursday morning. All eyes would be on whether Chief Minister O. Paneerselvam occupies the seat usually allocated to the Chief Minister, which was used in previous sessions by Ms. Jayalalithaa. This would also be the first time Mr. Paneerselvam would be facing the Assembly as the Chief Minister and would put to test his floor-management skills. As the former Leader of the House, he was the principal fire fighter for the AIADMK government whenever Ms. Jayalalithaa was absent from the proceedings.
However, the decision to have the session for just three days was criticised by some of the Opposition parties, notably the DMK and the CPI(M).
