Veeramani sees BJP hand behind Governor’s delay

Calling it a tactic of the Bharatiya Janata Party at the Centre, he charged that the Modi government might try to impose President’s rule in the state. “Technically there is no bar for Sasikala to become the Chief Minister,” he added.

Speaking to reporters in Coimbatore on Saturday, Veeramani said, “The delay in inviting the AIADMK general secretary by Governor has paved the way for lot of speculations and rumours in television channels. Further, anonymous circulars were also being sent in the name of Governor’s office by some mischief mongers or vested interests. The BJP and RSS are trying to use the Governor to delay the floor test and formation of the government.” He further added that Governor’s action at a snails’ pace at this time of crisis was leading to many a confusion and rumours. “Rumours of MLAs being held hostage is one of the fallout of the delay,” he said. “It also opening room for horse-trading and if quick action is not taken it will worsen the situation,” he added. 

According to him, the Constitution makes it clear that a person should be a citizen of India, aged above 25 years in case of an MLA or soon to be elected as MLA. He/she must be mentally stable. “Sasikala meets all the qualifications. She had not been elected as MLA yet, but has six months to meet that rule and enter the Assembly as a fulltime member. She is not an exemption to such a scenario,” he said and added “Even Rajaji, Annadurai and Jayalalithaa assumed office as Chief Minister when they were not MLAs. They later won the elections.”