The disqualification of 18 MLAs is being viewed in AIADMK (Amma and Puratchi Thalaivi Amma) circles as an attempt by Chief Minister and Deputy Coordinator Edappadi K. Palaniswami to consolidate his hold over the party.
Even though the action was attributed to the decision of Speaker P. Dhanapal, what is widely acknowledged within the party is that the Chief Minister’s inputs, regarded as critical, were factored in by the Speaker. Also, in this round of battle between Mr. Palaniswami and his chief detractor, T.T.V. Dhinakaran, the former appears to have emerged stronger.
Having completed the formality of holding a joint general council meeting attended by members of the AIADMK (Amma and PTA) a week ago, Mr. Palaniswami turned his attention towards the issue of dissident legislators. A senior Minister says “the Chief Minister gave them adequate opportunities to return to his fold. When he realised that there was no point in waiting any further, he had no other option but to reconcile himself to the eventuality of having to remain without their support.”
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Strong message
Another source in the party says Mr. Palaniswami knew that he should not allow the issue of rebel legislators to drag on for long as the question of instability of his government has already become a talking point.
Although the disqualification, as an option, was discussed even last week among various political leaders, what many had thought was that the ruling party would not like to have the dissident legislators disqualified, as otherwise it would have to face byelections at one point of time or the other. But, Mr. Palaniswami, by adopting an aggressive tone towards Mr. Dhinakaran at a public meeting in R.K. Nagar last week, sent out a message that he was prepared to face any eventuality.
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P. Vetrivel, a disqualified MLA, says he is not surprised over the development. He is confident of Mr. Dhinakaran gaining greater popular support in the weeks to come.