The decision of the DMK to demand secret ballot in the vote of confidence came out of the blue, much to the surprise of the State Intelligence and other political parties.
Till the ruckus began in the Assembly nobody had an idea that the main Opposition party and its ally, the Congress, would toe the line of former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam faction of the AIADMK in seeking a secret ballot and postponement of the vote of confidence.
Acting on an alert by the State intelligence on the possibility of a clash between supporters of Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and Mr. Panneerselvam, the Assembly Secretariat held discussions with the Chennai Police and roped in an additional 200 Watch and Ward staff.
In the normal course, whenever the Assembly is convened the Assembly Secretary writes to the Chennai Police and 140 police constables and some Sub-Inspectors are deputed for the purpose.
However, on Saturday the continuing pandemonium forced the Speaker to seek reinforcements to evict the DMK MLAs. At least 300 Watch and Ward staff were involved in the eviction operations.
