Minutes before the 19 MLAs supporting sidelined AIADMK deputy general secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran were moved back to the Windflower Resort and Spa in Chinna Veerampattinam from the Sunway Manor Hotel, Aravakurichi MLA T. Senthil Balaji on Sunday said that they will not rest until they attain their goal. The legislators loyal to Mr. Dhinakaran are demanding that Edappadi K. Palaniswami step down from the Chief Minister’s post.
“We will work hard to realise it,” he said, adding that the MLAs would go to Chennai only when they are called.
Noting that their group comprised of only 19 MLAs when they first arrived in Puducherry, Nilakottai MLA R. Thangadurai said, “Now, we have 22 MLAs supporting Dhinakaran. There are several other Ministers and MLAs who would extend their support to us, but we will not reveal their names at this point in time. Puducherry is a lucky place for us and we will continue to stay here.”
Contending that the “real party workers” were siding with Mr. Dhinakaran, Vriddhachalam MLA V.T. Kalaiselvan accused Mr. Palaniswami of having betrayed party general secretary V.K. Sasikala. When asked whether other MLAs from Cuddalore would join the Dhinakaran loyalists, he said the choice was up to them.
Party sources here said that Mr. Dhinakaran may seek legal recourse if the Tamil Nadu Governor fails to take action. “The MLAs will continue to stay here till the Governor takes an important call on what could well decide the fate of Tamil Nadu,” said a source.
