Three MLAs belonging to AIADMK allies on Tuesday urged Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami not to yield to the alleged pressure exerted by the BJP and to further hold talks with T.T.V. Dhinakaran.
The three MLAs from alliance parties – M. Thamimun Ansari, S. Karunaas and U. Thaniyarasu – who contested on AIADMK’s Two Leaves symbol in the May 2016 Assembly polls called on DMK working president and Leader of the Opposition M.K. Stalin at the party head office on Anna Salai later in the day. They also met the Chief Minister at the Secretariat later.
The MLAs said they were for a united AIADMK and urged the Chief Minister to hold talks with MLAs who have expressed solidarity with Mr. Dhinakaran. “Our brother Edappadi should not fall prey to the conspiracy being hatched by the BJP,” Mr. Karunaas said.
To a query on who they would support in case of a floor test, they said they were yet to decide on the issue. After their meeting with the DMK leader, Mr. Ansari said that the meeting was only to thank for the support extended by the DMK for securing parole for A.G. Perarivalan (who is a convict in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case).
The legislators then called on the Chief Minister at the Secretariat here.
Meanwhile, Andipatti MLA and Dhinakaran supporter Thangatamilselvan said they would wait for the Governor to take action for a couple of days and then call on the President if there was no development. He also brushed aside the notices issued to them by the Speaker following the Chief Government Whip’s recommendation as “legally invalid”.
‘BJP’s actions suspect’
Questioning the motive behind alleged efforts by the BJP government at the Centre to reunite factions of the AIADMK, Mr. Thangatamilselvan contended that the actions of the BJP were raising doubts in the minds of the general public.
He also claimed the General Secretary held supreme powers as per the party’s bylaws, and hence, they had an edge on the issue. “There are about 3,000 members in the General Council and at least 750 of them need to give a representation to the General Secretary with the agenda of the meeting for her approval. Only on her approval with a signature, they can convene a meeting of the Council. Do you think it will happen?” he said.
On the petition pending before the Election Commission, he said the EPS-OPS faction cannot withdraw the affidavits filed by legislators in the Dhinakaran camp, he said. “Even we have submitted affidavits. They cannot unilaterally withdraw them and if they do so, we will approach the court.”
He added that majority of the MLAs who were absent at the MLAs’ meeting held under the leadership of Mr. Palaniswami and Mr. Panneerselvam in Chennai on Monday would join the faction headed by Mr. Dhinakaran soon.
(With inputs from Senthalir in Puducherry)
