AIADMK moves to disqualify three more MLAs

Cracking the whip yet again, Tamil Nadu’s ruling party AIADMK on Friday sought the disqualification of three MLAs who owe allegiance to rebel leader T T V Dhinakaran, the General Secretary of Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam.

The MLAs are Rathinasabapathy (Aranthangi), Prabhu (Kallakurichi) and Kalaiselvan (Virudhachalam). The move by the AIADMK is significant since 18 out of 22 vacant Assembly seats have faced by-polls and the remaining four are set to face elections on May 19.

Political analysts said the move was aimed at bringing down the strength of the Assembly, to ensure smooth sailing of the government even if it does not win the required number of seats in the by-polls.

In a House of 234, whose strength currently is 212, the ruling AIADMK has 114, including Speaker, DMK (88), Cong (8), IUML (1) and one Independent (Dhinakaran). The AIADMK needs to win at least five seats to continue in government.

AIADMK chief whip S Rajendran moved a petition before Speaker P Dhanapal on Friday seeking disqualification of the three MLAs for indulging in “anti-party activities.” If the Speaker indeed issues a notice this time, it will be the second instance of invoking the disqualification law in two years.

In September 2017, Dhanapal had disqualified 18 MLAs owing allegiance to Dhinakaran, which was upheld by the Madras High Court in October 2018.

“Three MLAs are indulging in activities that are against the party. Hence, I have submitted the Speaker and submitted a petition seeking action against them. The Speaker will take necessary action under the law against them,” Rajendran said.

Condemning the AIADMK's move that sought disqualification of the MLAs, DMK chief M K Stalin said in a statement that the Speaker should not take any decision on the issue. "If the Speaker fails in his duty and acts in a partial manner, the DMK will bring a no-confidence motion against him,” he warned.