CM sees DMK-AMMK nexus behind oppn to 3 MLAs’ disqualification process

Addressing newspersons at the Coimbatore International Airport, Palaniswami said he did not know on what basis the DMK moved the resolution seeking Dhanapal’s removal. “We have raised a complaint against our MLAs because of their anti-party activities. The three legislators are not from the DMK. Such being the case, why is the Opposition party leader outraged over our internal affairs?”

The CM reiterated that the Chief Government Whip had sought action against the three MLAs as they acted against the AIADMK.

Dhanapal had on Tuesday issued notices to Kallakurichi legislator A Prabhu, V T Kalaiselvan (Vriddhachalam) and E Rathinasabapathy (Aranthangi) based on a petition filed by Chief Government Whip S Rajendran, days after the ruling party petitioned the Assembly Speaker for action against them for alleged anti-party activities.

On Tuesday, the DMK, which has been opposing any action on the AIADMK petition, had dubbed Dhanapal’s move “murder of democracy” and handed over to the Assembly Secretary a resolution seeking the Speaker’s removal from the post.

Responding to the DMK’s charges, Palaniswami said, “The kind of statements made by them (DMK) and them getting outraged has shown very clearly the proximity between the DMK and AMMK.”

When asked about intelligence reports regarding the poll results, the CM denied receiving any such report. “As the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is in place, we do not have any connection with the Intelligence Department,” he said. 

However, Palaniswami exuded confidence that the AIADMK will win all the 22 Assembly constituencies, including the 4 seats that are yet to go to polls. “Furthermore, the AIADMK and its alliance parties will emerge victorious in all the 39 Lok Sabha constituencies, including Puducherry,” he said.

To a query on the drinking water crisis, he said a meeting was convened before the elections when all departments concerned were asked to take precautionary measures to tackle water shortage during the summer. “All-out efforts have been taken to overcome water shortage in places where there is such a crisis,” he said.

Later while kick-starting his campaign for the Sulur bypolls, Palaniswami mocked Stalin over the Election Commission cancelling Lok Sabha polls to Vellore constituency following the seizure of huge money from establishments owned by party treasurer Duraimurugan.

“Stalin calls us as a government for collection, commission and corruption. Now, this term would aptly fit the DMK. He instigated several protests against our government,” he said.