CM should have called teachers for talks: AMMK

Speaking to reporters here, he said that the CM should have called them for talks and at least two out of their nine demands – reverting to the old pension scheme and payment of 21 months’ dues – could have been settled. Asked about Opposition parties backing the protesters, he said all parties supported them but that does not mean they backed them.

Regarding the Kodanad murder issue, he sought to know why the CM did not voluntarily resign and ensured a probe that would have cleared his name or otherwise.

“People would have welcomed this move,” he said, adding that the CM clinging to his chair was in bad taste. “He forgot that he did not become CM on his own. VK Sasikala gave him the post,” he said.

Further, he turned down speculations that he might switch allegiance to the DMK like former colleague Senthil Balaji. “My family belongs to the AIADMK since (former CM) MG Ramachandran walked out of DMK. My father was a four-time panchayat union secretary and we were with Amma (former CM J Jayalaithaa) when she faced rival Janaki. I am temporarily in AMMK till we retrieve the two leaves symbol and the party, after which, we will provide a corruption-free rule,” he said.