Andipatti MLA may withdraw plea against suspension today

If his withdrawal petition is accepted, it would clear the decks for the Election Commission (EC) to declare vacant his seat – Andipatti. The move would necessitate a by-election in that constituency which was once held by former chief minister J Jayalalithaa. 

The VK Sasikala’s loyalist announced his decision following a recent split verdict of the Madras High court on disqualifications, with the matter now being referred to a third judge.

Sources said RK Nagar MLA TTV Dhinakaran has categorically approved the decision of Thangathamizhselvan as the latter’s idea, when pitched sounded ‘politically right’ and a section of MLAs would follow suit based on the outcome of Thangathamizhselvan’s plea.

Hinting that Thangathamizhselvan could be fielded as an AMMK candidate if at all there was a by-poll, Dhinakaran said, “We can once again fight those who betrayed us. We can prove we are Amma’s true supporters and heirs for the party’s Two-Leaves symbol. He was apparently referring to his own thumping win in the RK Nagar by-poll in December 2017 where he defeated the ruling party candidate.

“Since the decision has already been approved, Thangathamilselvan has been taking legal advice whether to make such a plea of withdrawal before the Chief Justice of Madras High Court or before the third judge, who would be appointed,” the source said.

Asked whether an MLA, who has been disqualified under the Anti-Defection Law could contest again with immediate effect, the source said there are no legal bars for Thangathamilselvan to contest again.

“It is a test to force the EC to hold a by-election in the home turf of (Deputy Chief Minister) O Panneerselvam. Indications are clear that the Centre wants to hold simultaneous polls for Tamil Nadu’s Legislative Assembly and Lok Sabha. We want to test their muscle before that. Even if Thangathamilselvan is not fielded, we want to know how the ruling dispensation, especially Panneerselvam reacts to it,” the source said. Sources also indicated that Thangathamilselvan would make his plea before the third judge, who would be appointed to decide on the split verdict in MLAs disqualification case.

On the plea being junked, the source said the disqualified legislators would then put in place measures to expedite the case and forcing a logical conclusion as early as possible. Thangathamilselvan said the decision to withdraw reflects on the pulse of Andipatti people, who miss their legislator for a wide array of things, including civic and revenue issues for nearly a year. He said he would consult his legal advisors whether to move the petition before the Chief Justice or the third judge and ensure that his actions would not hamper the prospects of the rest of the disqualified legislators.