AIADMK to oppose no-confidence motion against Centre

The AIADMK, the third largest party in the Lok Sabha, will not support the no-confidence motion brought against the Narendra Modi government by the TDP, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami indicated on Thursday.

A formal decision on opposing the motion will be taken on Thursday evening after an informal meeting between Palaniswami and his deputy O Panneerselvam, who is also the AIADMK coordinator.

Speaking to reporters at Mettur after releasing water from Stanley Reservoir for irrigation in the Cauvery Delta Region, Palaniswami gave enough hints that the AIADMK was not inclined to support the motion being brought by the TDP for their “state-specific” issues.

He also sought refuge in parties from other states not coming to the rescue of his MPs who “stalled the House for 22 days” to press for the constitution of the Cauvery Management Board.

“The no-confidence motion is being brought for an issue that concerns Andhra Pradesh. No state or party supported AIADMK MPs while they protested for Cauvery issue in March-April. Every state has its own problems. No state supported us during the Cauvery struggle,” Palaniswami told reporters.

He was responding to questions on whether the AIADMK would support the no-confidence motion against the BJP government at the Centre. With 37 MPs, AIADMK is the third largest party in the Lok Sabha.

Sources in the AIADMK told DH that the party will participate in the discussion, make its stand clear on several issues and probably abstain from voting that brings down the strength of the House. The AIADMK's abstention would help the BJP in mustering more numbers against the motion.

“The final decision will be communicated to MPs by Thursday night. It has been decided to participate, but whether to vote against the motion or abstain from voting will be decided by Thursday night. There is absolutely no question of supporting the motion,” an AIADMK MP said.