The development comes in the backdrop of an expected verdict on the 18 MLAs disqualification case next week by the third judge in the Madras High Court.
Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker P Dhanapal is mulling action against four AIADMK MLAs, including actor S Karunas, who are extending support to AMMK deputy general secretary TTV Dhinakaran. The development comes in the backdrop of an expected verdict on the 18 MLAs disqualification case next week by the third judge in the Madras High Court.
AIADMK sources said that as per section 6 of the anti-defection law, AIADMK whip S Rajendran has submitted a petition to the Speaker seeking action against Karunas and three other MLAs — A Prabhu (Kallakurichi), E Rathinasabapathy (Aranthangi) and VT Kalaiselvan (Vriddhachalam). Rajendran is said to have adduced documentary evidence to the Speaker to prove that action could be taken against these MLAs.
Following the AIADMK whip's complaint, hectic discussions were held in the Speaker's chamber at the secretariat on Tuesday, in which Advocate-General Vijay Narayanan and Assembly Secretary K Srinivasan participated. Senior Ministers P Thangamani and SP Velumani also met the Speaker. Earlier in the day, the Speaker called on Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam.
The discussions centred around legal aspects of sending show-cause notices to these four MLAs, asking why action should not be taken against them under the provisions of the anti-defection law.
The leader of the Opposition and DMK president MK Stalin condemned the Speaker's move to issue show cause notice to four more MLAs. He also charged the Tamil Nadu Governor of remaining silent spectator to the ruling AIADMK's attempt of trying to avoid the trust motion.
Though Karunas is leading Mukkulathor Pulipadai, he was elected on the AIADMK symbol of Two Leaves during the 2016 Assembly elections and as such, technically is an AIADMK MLA. Recently, he levelled serious charges against the CM and made casteist remarks for which he was arrested. He is currently out on conditional bail.
Three other AIADMK MLAs have shifted their loyalties to Dhinakaran; they have been given posts in AMMK which may warrant action under the anti-defection law.
A senior AIADMK leader said that the decision to initiate action was taken to send out a clear message that the party leadership would not hesitate to act if anyone tries to rebel. As the verdict in the 18 MLAs disqualification case is expected, the action on four more MLAs will help the AIADMK maintain the majority in the Assembly.
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