AIADMK MLA joins rebel group

In a big set back to the ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu, its Kallakurichi MLA A Prabhu on Friday switched loyalties to rebel leader TTV Dhinakaran.

With Prabhu joining hands with Dhinakaran, the number of MLAs in the dissident camp — including the 18 disqualified legislators — goes up to 22. Prabhu is the first MLA to extend support to Dhinakaran after the Speaker disqualified 18 MLAs who filed a petition to the state Governor Banwarilal Purohit seeking change of current Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswamy.

Prabhu said the outcome of the RK Nagar by-election proved Dhinakaran's popularity. "I am unable to do public service in my own constituency. Wish all MLAs from the ruling camp strengthen the hands of Dhinakaran and fulfil the wish of late CM J Jayalalithaa," he said after meeting Dhinakaran at his Adyar residence.

The disqualification of MLAs has been challenged in the High Court and the verdict is awaited.