Kallakurichi MLA moves to TTV camp

MLA A Prabhu, representing Kallakurichi, met Dinakaran at his residence in the city and expressed his support. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Dinakaran said most of the MLAs are in touch with him and the sleeper cell MLAs would come out only during the voting in the Assembly. 

“All other MLAs barring Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, besides four other Ministers, would join hands with me,” Dinakaran said. He said the tussle in the ruling party is intensifying, since Panneerselvam is aiming at Chief Minister’s post as Palaniswami had completed a year in office. 

MLA Prabhu said only Dinakaran and his aunt VK Sasikala have the capability to lead the AIADMK. Besides, people’s support is with Dinakaran, he added. The defection came on the eve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the city and it raises the strength of Dinakaran group to 25, including the 18 disqualified MLAs. 

Reacting to the development, Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar said, “The government continues to enjoy majority support in the Assembly. We have already proved it.”  The ruling party is hopeful of getting the support of Congress MLA Vijayadharani, who had openly criticised AICC president Rahul Gandhi.