Poach one MLA, AMMK dares ruling camp

“The truth is that no one wants to join the AIADMK controlled by the BJP, even if one disqualified MLA from Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam switches loyalty to the ruling AIADMK we will accept the leadership of O Panneerselvam and Edappadi K Palaniswami,” AMMK propaganda secretary Thangatamilselvan told DT Next.

“The fact that the Chief Minister has mentioned about at least retaining 8 seats among his close circles during a recent meeting proves that the party is scared to contest the bypolls, but when this is the reality, why will functionaries from AMMK switch loyalty. They are trying their best to break our faction and that will not happen,” the former Andipatti MLA said.

“Our camp has been periodically getting supporters and more MLAs would join ahead of Lok Sabha,” opined another AMMK leader P Vettrivel.

“The ruling AIADMK is giving frivolous facts to the BJP-led Centre saying that AMMK functionaries were willing to join them. None of the disqualified MLA will commit a political suicide by joining an unpopular government,” Vettrivel said.

Both the disqualified MLAs said that the party will intensify the campaign once when the schedule for the bypolls is released by the Election Commission.

However, an AIADMK senior who is also an MLA from Western Tamil Nadu said, “There are a few disqualified MLAs who are thinking about returning to the parent organisation. How did Cumbum MLA STK Jakkaiyan returned to our camp,” he asked. Functionaries who are upset or either sacked by Dhinakaran are now with us, the AIADMK senior added. “We are waiting for the 11 MLAs disqualification case pending before the Supreme Court to end. Before the Lok Sabha elections at least two sitting MLAs, who are now with Dhinakaran will return to the party,” the functionaryexuded confidence.