Conduct floor test, A-G Mukul Rohatgi tells Governor

Attorney-General Mukul Rohatgi on Monday advised Tamil Nadu Governor Ch. Vidyasagar Rao to hold a composite floor test in the Assembly. This, Mr. Rohatgi pointed out, would prove who had majority in the power tussle between AIADMK interim general secretary V.K. Sasikala and Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam. Mr. Rohatgi, speaking to The Hindu , said the floor test, combined with the judgment of the Supreme Court in the assets case to be pronounced on Tuesday, would decide who among the two would become Chief Minister. He cited an SC judgment ordering a floor test in Uttar Pradesh.

In 1998 the Supreme Court decided the battle for power in Uttar Pradesh between Kalyan Singh and his rival Jagadambika Pal by ordering a floor test.

“If conducted this week, the [T.N.] Governor would also have the benefit of the Supreme Court verdict to guide his decision on whom to invite to form the government,” Mr. Rohatgi said.

He said the fact that Ms. Sasikala is not a member of the legislature would not disable a floor test.

“The members would vote and a resolution would be passed accordingly,” Mr. Rohatgi said.