As verdict in 18 MLAs’ case looms, ministers reach out to rebels

With unconfirmed reports hinting that the third judge, M Sathyanarayanan, of Madras High Court would soon deliver the much-awaited verdict in the 18 MLAs’ disqualification case, the political mood in the State has become charged.

Silent parleys and open criticism continued on Tuesday, with ministers D Jayakumar, Kadambur Raju and RB Udayakumar launching scathing attacks on AMMK leader TTV Dhinakaran. “After the Madras High Court verdict, all the disqualified MLAs would join the AIADMK and there is no threat for the ruling party,” Fisheries Minister Jayakumar said.

“The AIADMK government will continue irrespective of the verdict in the disqualification case. The rival TTV faction has detained all the disqualified MLAs at a resort, but they will return to the AIADMK like rivers joining the sea,” Jayakumar told the media.

Information Minister Kadambur Raju echoed Jayakumar, expressing confidence that the AIADMK was prepared for the much-awaited verdict.

“A few senior ministers are in touch with the disqualified MLAs and a section of them have agreed not to topple the government as it will only benefit arch-rival DMK,” said an AIADMK senior on condition of anonymity.

Most of the MLAs now staying at Courtallam are reachable over phone and the bonhomie continues, the AIADMK functionary said, confirming that fresh talks and parleys between the AIADMK and rebel AMMK MLAs have already begun. Meanwhile, Minister for Handloom and Textiles OS Manian said it was not fair on the part of the disqualified MLAs to stay at a resort at a time when the high-profile verdict in the case is expected.

Though the ministers on Tuesday launched a broadside on Dhinakaran terming VK Sasikala’s family as the root cause of ‘all evils in TN’ they chose not to criticise the disqualified MLAs.