Chennai: The DMK is unlikely to rush in for a no-confidence motion against the Edappadi K. Palaniswami government in the last week of this month itself, even though six months after he won the confidence vote ends on August 20.
The party will like to assess the moves of AIADMK deputy general secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran, who has put off his showdown with the Chief Minister for a later date.
The DMK will wait for the AIADMK groups to harden their stand for a real fight in the Assembly before deciding on pressing for a no-confidence vote, a party functionary said when asked to respond about reports in a section of the media that the DMK would give notice for such a motion in the last week of August.
The DMK is aware that AIADMK general secretary V.K. Sasikala's first option would be to bring about a change in the leadership of the government without precipitating a fall of the government, since the family would get nothing by toppling the Palaniswami government. In fact, MLAs loyal to the family would lose their Assembly membership if the government falls or Palaniswami recommends dissolution of the Assembly.
Manithaneya Jananayaga Katchi leader Thamimum Ansari, commenting on the survival of the government said, “About 70 per cent of the ruling party MLAs are new entrants to the Assembly. They do not want immediate elections. So, the AIADMK government may continue with their support”.
The AIADMK MLAs do not have an assurance that they could be elected again in case of mid-term polls to the Assembly and the leaders of the three factions could not instill confidence in them to face polls.
So, Sasikala's family could try bring together MLAs belonging to the southern and delta regions who feel left out and try to unite the Mukkulathor community by picking up a family loyalist like minister O.S. Manian for the Chief Minister's post.
But, Palaniswami has the support of his own Gounder community, besides those who think that the BJP ruling at the centre is behind him and any opposition to him could trigger centre's wrath. However, the family's influence over the party could wane totally, if it fails to rein in or remove Palaniswami.
At such a juncture, Dhinakaran could opt for toppling the government, but he needs time to explain the cadre and AIADMK voters, why he wants to bring down a government formed by former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa and defend against charges of 'betraying Amma;s legacy'.
The DMK is likely to watch the developments and wait for the most opportune moment to bring a no confidence vote.
