Jayakumar justifies expulsion of KC Palaniswami

“While every party functionary knows his/her limitations on delving into policy decisions during media interactions, he had made the off the cuff remark on what was supposed to be a policy decision and made it seem like the party was subscribing to it. Had KCP expressed remorse and attributed his remarks to a slip, the party high-command would have reconsidered its decision on removing him,” Jayakumar said. 

The Minister observed that even he could not comment on such policy decisions as the powers to take policy decisions are vested with the high command. 

“The former MP had questioned the authority of the party’s top brass in sacking him. It appears, such thoughts were imbibed in his psyche even before and the development had only brought it to the fore,” the Minister added. The Minister also pointed out that the signature on B-Form for the RK Nagar Assembly constituency was jointly signed by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and O Panneerselvam and accepted by the Election Commission. 

“The General Body of the AIADMK is the highest body in the party and it had empowered both the coordinator and the joint-coordinator full saddle to run the party affairs. That is the locus standi the party high command has on initiating disciplinary proceedings,” he said. 

As regards to KCP’s claim of the Modi-government’s behest in removal, the Minister maintained that the sacked party colleague can come with any conspiracy to his fancy. 

On setting up of the CMB, the Minister said that the AIADMK MPs had stalled the Parliament for the past 10 days besides protesting on the Parliament campus. He added that the party has faith that the final verdict of the SC would be implemented in tune with the final award of the Cauvery Tribunal. Responding to Makkal Needhi Maiam president Kamal Haasan’s remark on the state Budget, the Minister wanted Kamal to read it first.