TTV camp mulling multiple options, including moving SC

Senior AMMK functionaries told DTNext that the disqualified MLAs will discuss the issue with Dhinakaran and are likely to appeal against the verdict before the Supreme Court. However, it has been learnt that a few former MLAs prefer to face the 

byelections.

When contacted, AMMK organising secretary Sukumar Babu said, “We have so many options unlike the ruling party, which is buying time through litigations. People have started accepting our leader as an alternative political force to the AIADMK and the DMK. Hence, we are ready to face the polls.”

He further said with the five-year tenure of the BJP-led Central government coming to an end, more MLAs will desert the EPS-OPS camp and join the AMMK, which in the days to come will have the capacity to topple the current government.

Meanwhile, there are rumours making rounds on social media that the disqualified MLAs cannot contest the bypolls.

Clarifying the matter, legal experts said the tenth schedule of the Indian Constitution dealt with anti-defection law and disqualification. But it does not have provisions to stop a disqualified MLA from contesting the bypolls or general assembly polls, explained senior counsel K N Vijayan.

“There are provisions under the Representation of People’s Act to be enforced by the Election commission which prohibits a disqualified person from contesting polls due to criminal cases and poll related violations. This provision is not applicable to the current case,” Vijayan said.