TTV labels AIADMK top brass weak for seeking return of ex-MLAs

“Calling them to re-join the party shows they are weak people. In the letter, they said that the AIADMK will gain maximum seats if they return to the party but the reality is that 90 per cent of the cadre are with me except the ministers, their assistants and few functionaries who are looking for monetary benefits,” said Dhinakaran in Karur on Sunday.

Criticising the Chief Minister for his earlier comments on his integrity, Dhinkaran said: “Earlier Palaniswami said that he was straight forward and not worried about the case filed by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC). But now he himself has filed a plea in the Supreme Court against the CBI investigation. If he is not corrupt, why should he worry about the CBI investigation,” questioned Dhinakaran.

When asked about the future course of action in the 18 MLAs case, Dhinkaran replied that the disqualified MLAs had earlier said that they will approach the Supreme Court to prove their innocence, but he preferred facing byelections.

“However, their lawyers are holding discussions with the Supreme Court lawyers in New Delhi. The exact course of future action will be revealed in another three days,” said Dhinakaran. 

Meanwhile, issuing a strong rebuke to Dhinakaran, Dairy Development Minister KT Rajenthra Bhalaji on Sunday said the AIADMK high command has not invited him to re-join the party, but the 18 former MLAs.

Speaking to reporters at Srivilliputhur in Virudhunagar district, he also said actor Rajinikanth’s political foray has come tad too late.

“If Rajinikanth had entered politics in 1996 when he was at the peak of his career, he would have succeeded in his efforts,” he said.

Noting that several small parties, including Kamal Haasan’s, have come up, Bhalaji said: “All of them will disappear once the elections are over.”

Former MLA and TTV Dhinakaran supporter Thanga Tamilselvan on Sunday said the request sent by the AIADMK leadership to the 18 MLAs is out 

of fear. 

“The 11 MLAs belonging to the Panneerselvam faction who voted against the government now fear that they too will be disqualified and hence they have requested the us to return to the party. However, it is too late,” he said after attending a temple festival at Jakkampatti village near Andipatti  in Theni district.

Stating that he was a staunch supporter of TTV Dhinakaran, Thanga Tamilselvan said that there was no chance for them to re-join the AIADMK. “There is a chance that the AIADMK might merge with the AMMK but not the reverse,” said Thanga Tamilselvan.

He also said that they are ready to face byelections if it was announced. “All the 18 disqualified MLAs and their constituency people are ready to face the election. However, the decision to appeal in the Supreme Court is now being discussed and a final call will be taken by the party high command,” said the former Andipatti MLA.

MADURAI: V Dhivakaran, estranged brother of ousted AIADMK leader VK Sasikala, on Sunday welcomed the move by the AIADMK top leadership asking its 18 disqualified MLAs to revert to the ruling party. Blaming his jailed sister Sasikala Natarajan for the ‘confusion’ in the party, Anna Dravidar Kazhagam founder and president, Dhivakaran said had an efficient person been appointed to lead AIADMK, the current situation would not have arisen. He was referring to the appointment of Sasikala as the interim general secretary of the AIADMK after the demise of Jayalalithaa in 2016. He, however maintained that he would not join AIADMK as the party was facing various problems.