Opposition leaders fault SC verdict on BJP MLAs, say it jeopardises identity of UT

In a statement, Siva wondered how the apex court gave voting rights to three nominated members, in a no confidence motion, when nominated members to parliament do not have voting right in any bills and the nominated members of different state assemblies, including Tamil Nadu, do not have voting rights.

Even in Puducherry, nominated members could not vote in the presidential election and Rajya Sabha elections, he pointed out. 

Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader Thol Thirumavalavan on Sunday termed the Supreme Court judgement that provides voting right to the nominated members in the territorial assembly as ‘dangerous.’

Talking to mediapersons, Thirumavalavan said the judgement is dangerous to democracy itself. If voting right was provided to the nominated members, any government enjoying majority could be toppled at any point of time with their help, he pointed out.

As per an agreement signed by the then Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, nominated members do not have voting rights. But now, the Supreme Court has bypassed its powers and provided voting right to them, which is shocking, he said.

Though the Puducherry administration has decided to move a review petition, the Centre should interfere as it was stated that union territories are a property of the Central government.

So, the Centre should file an affidavit to remove the words ‘property of the Central Government’ to ensure the free functioning of the UTs. The voting right provided to the nominated members should also be banned, he demanded.

Expressing happiness on DMK president MK Stalin for inviting former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi for the unveiling of the statue of former DMK President M Karunanidhi on December 16 at Anna Arivalayam, Thirumavalavan said that the religious forces are scared that the Congress, DMK, VCK and Left parties are united. Frantic efforts are being made to create a friction between the Congress and the DMK, he charged.