AIADMK, AMMK gear up to face 18 MLAs case verdict

Since the Assembly session is already on, any verdict quashing the disqualification in the first two weeks of the month is certain to have an immediate impact and the ruling party needs to rush to the Supreme Court for an immediate stay order. A delay in getting a stay for even one or two days opens the possibility of the Opposition defeating a motion on the demand for grants to one of the departments.

But, the government has given an interval of ten days to the Assembly after the first two weeks and it will have ample time to approach the apex court if the judgment is delivered in the third week of the month. The ruling party will have a tough time if it fails to get a stay in the Supreme Court for an adverse verdict in the MHC.

Culture and Tamil Development Minister K Pandiarajan expressed confidence that the government would survive without problems. “The government is stable and continue for long. Whatever be the judgment of the MHC we are not afraid of it.” Meanwhile, Dhinakaran’s supporters assert that the ruling party had not succeeded in poaching any one from their group and all the 18 legislators are with them. AMMK spokesperson V Pugazhendhi said, “The Supreme Court did not allow the BJP time for horse trading after the Karnataka elections.

Similarly, the MHC itself may order an immediate floor test to avoid any kind of bargain.” If the disqualification is upheld, Dhinakaran has the option of forcing bypolls for 18 constituencies by not going for an appeal.

Such a strategy will open the chances of a quicker route to change regime without a spell of Governor’s rule and Assembly elections. The total number of Opposition MLAs including six supporters of Dhinakaran comes to 104 and regime change could be effected if the Opposition wins 14 of the 18 constituencies.

A split verdict is the most favourable one for the government since the entire case would have to be referred to a third judge and the hearing will restart once again.