Thiruma sees Centre’s hand in disqualification

He said that it was unfortunate that the state which was a pioneer in the movement for state autonomy in the federal structure being puppeteered by the Union government in every aspect of its functioning. Delving deep into the recent political past of the ruling AIADMK, Thirumavalavan said, the people should understand that the Centre was solely responsible for the present political situation.

“Take the merger of the then rebel leader O Panneerselvam with the ruling faction, and the subsequent devolution of powers among them and the action against legislators rallying for TTV Dinakaran. Everything is orchestrated by the ruling BJP at the Centre,” he reasoned. 

His citations for his claim included the mechanical invocation of goondas on human rights activists and leaders who resorted to peaceful demonstrations. He alleged that the state conceded to the list on whom the goondas should be evoked against, with the concurrence of the Centre.

“The Speaker’s action clearly showcases the desperation of EPS regime to increase its longevity in power. The action will not stand the legal scrutiny as there are enough precedents including the one in which the Supreme Court overturned the then Karnataka Speaker’s disqualification ruling on 16 MLAs in a similar fashion,” Thirumavalavan added. 

According to him, the case at present being heard by a single judge may declare it null and void while the possibility of both parties preferring an appeal to a division bench in the Madras High Court in case of an unfavourable outcome is also high.