AIADMK, DMK happy with Madras HC’s order on MLAs

DMK working president M K Stalin had no qualms about reiterating at Anna Arivalayam on Thursday his endorsement of the court proceedings, “We are very confident that a verdict we expect would be pronounced on October 4. We will decide our next course of action based on the (final) order of the court.” Nonetheless, it did not discourage the DMK leadership from describing the interim order as manifestation of triumph of justice.

Stalin and company, who had suspected that the government was hurrying through the floor test after disqualifying dissident legislators, were also rejoicing over the exclusive powers of conducting floor test of the House being given to the court now, more so when it had failed on its own to get the Chief Minister to prove his majority in the Assembly.

A few in the DMK, like its star speaker and writer Manushyaputhiran, admitted that the court order has given breathing time to the ruling AIADMK, which continues to control the state exchequer without a majority. However, he defended the writ petition of his leader Stalin by arguing, “If the Governor and Speaker do not discharge their constitutional duties and defend it by citing the power vested in them by the Constitution, our only option is to approach the court. If there be such extraordinary powers, it is time they were reviewed. It can be done in the court.” As much as it is a controversial celebration for the Opposition, the ruling AIADMK could also not take comfort in the court not deciding on the disqualification and asking it not to convene the House or prove the majority.