Fresh twist: Some of ‘sacked’ MLAs likely to withdraw petition in Madras HC

The strategy would be two pronged, an AMMK functionary explained. The MLAs confident of retaining their seats will follow this move, while others will explore avenues for a speedy trial and completion of the case by the third judge.

The functionary also added, “All 18 legislators can withdraw the case and seek fresh elections if the DMK decides not to contest in the 18 constituencies. We have not approached them since they are Amma’s rivals. But if DMK leaders announce such a decision, bypolls can be forced on all the 18 seats and the AIADMK government can be brought down since it can be defeated in all the 18 seats.”

One of the disqualified MLAs, Thangathamizhselvan, told DT Next that he would move a petition in the HC on June 18 seeking withdrawal of his petition against the Speaker’s order. “Once my petition is withdrawn, the Speaker’s decision will come into effect and my constituency will be declared vacant by the EC. I am ready to face fresh elections as I am confident of victory. I will also seek a direction from the EC to that effect immediately.

I have lost trust in courts and further petitions will only drag the case for years. Already, the people of 18 constituencies are suffering without an MLA for nine months,” he said.

He did not disclose the number of MLAs who will follow a similar approach, but asserted that he would go ahead with his petition.

A group of legislators would move petitions in both the HC and Supreme Court seeking an order to expedite the hearing of the disqualification case by a third judge,

one of the lawyers in Dhinakaran’s team said. All avenues would be explored to fix a time frame to complete the case and deliver a judgment, he added.

Commenting on the likely moves, an AIADMK functionary said, “A few MLAs withdrawing the case and seeking fresh elections cannot change the government.

A tacit understanding between Amma’s staunch enemy DMK and Dhinakaran’s group is not possible since it will only expose Dhinakaran’s followers as betrayers among the AIADMK cadre”.