AMMK may not counter if MLA Karunaas is sacked

“To this, a few AMMK disqualified MLAs advised the rebel MLAs not to approach the court and termed the move as a total waste of time,” an informed AMMK senior official told DT Next.

Dhinakaran’s meeting came a day after CM Edappadi K Palaniswami and Speaker P Dhanapal went into a huddle to discuss the disqualification of four MLAs who were in touch with him. Dissenting MLA E Rathinasababathy (Aranthangi) had also told the AMMK functionaries that he was ready to face elections if disqualified. 

Rajendran reportedly had submitted documentary evidence to the Speaker to prove his claims and this fact was also discussed, AMMK sources said.

A few functionaries also opined they should face the public and should not drag the issue legally as it would only benefit the AIADMK government, which was surviving on a wafer-thin margin. Dhinakaran had also asked AMMK heavyweights P Vetrivel and Thangathamizh Selvan to monitor the political developments and had sought legal advice on powers conferred to the Speaker under the anti-defection law.

Four more disqualifications of AIADMK MLAs loyal to sidelined leader TTV Dhinakaran was likely to enable the Palaniswami-government to prove its majority in the event of a floor test.