The ruling AIADMK (Amma, PTA) general council, which would meet at Vanagaram here on Tuesday, is all set to move a resolution to remove its interim general secretary V.K. Sasikala and deputy general secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran from their respective posts.
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In a parallel development, Mr. Dhinakaran hardened his stance against the government headed by Edappadi K. Palaniswami and warned in Madurai that he would not hesitate to send the regime packing.
Late on Monday evening, a Division Bench of the Madras High Court refused to stay the general council meeting and upheld a single judge’s order passed earlier in the day rejecting a petition filed by dissident Perambur MLA P. Vetrivel. According to sources, at Tuesday’s meeting, resolutions would be moved to give full powers to Chief Minister Edappadi K.Palaniswami and O. Panneerselvam of the Amma and Puratchi Thalaivi Amma (PTA) factions.
They will be made the authorised signatories for the party at the time of elections to Assembly or Parliament or local bodies, according to a senior Minister.
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Another Minister said there are about 2,300 members of the general council, all of whom have been issued invitations.
Resolutions are expected to be adopted ratifying the appointment of Mr. Panneerselvam and Mr. Palaniswami as coordinator and co-coordinator, and the formation of an 11-member steering committee.
The composition of the steering committee is expected to be announced at the meeting of the council.
‘A seal of approval’
Law Minister C.Ve. Shanmugam said the High Court, by allowing the general council to meet, has acknowledged the position of the ruling camp that the meeting has been called in adherence to the bylaws of the party.
Explaining why action against Sasikala and Mr. Dhinakaran had become imperative, leaders of the two groups pointed out that ever since Mr. Panneerselvam rebelled against Sasikala, a high-pitched campaign had been conducted against her “hold” as well as that of her family members over the party.
At the same time, it is not yet clear whether the two would be expelled from the primary membership of the party on Tuesday, as some sections feel that there was no need to expel Sasikala from the party.
“There are about 1.5 crore members. Let her remain as one of them. It is enough that her position is withdrawn,” said a leader who was once considered close to her.
Meanwhile, a city civil court in Bengaluru on Monday stayed the general council and executive committee meetings. The plea had been filed by AIADMK Karnataka State Secretary V. Pugazhendhi, a supporter of Mr. Dhinakaran.