Chennai: The AIADMK government under Edappadi K. Palanisami faces its second floor test in as many months when the no confidence motion against Speaker P. Dhanapal is taken up on Thursday, amidst local rivalries and dissent among 122 MLAs, just five more than the simple majority.
A major difference between this test and the earlier one could be the presence of 88 DMK MLAs in the Assembly, whose participation could encourage the dissenting AIADMK members, who did not have any chance to topple the government as the numbers were heavily loaded in favour of the AIADMK on February 18. The eviction of DMK members on the previous occasion had pre-empted the possibility of anyone coming out against the Palanisami government.
Now, the floor management of the AIADMK leadership will come under heavy strain since the MLAs could drive a hard bargain with the party leadership for their support and press the leadership to settle local rivalries with senior ministers and district functionaries.
As the government is surviving by a wafer thin majority, the AIADMK MLAs known for their humility, discipline and keeping a low profile have become aware of their importance and are demanding their pound of flesh. Each time, the government is pushed to voting in the Assembly, the AIADMK floor managers find themselves in an unenviable situation of placating every MLA.
The latest voice of dissent was raised by party’s Sulur MLA and the party leadership was quick to pacify him. But, there are former ministers demanding the re-entry into the ministry and accommodating any one of them is likely to trigger a volley of demands and dissatisfaction.
Aravakurichi MLA and former minister Senthil Balaji boycotted the function attended by the Chief Minister in Tiruchy, where schemes for Karur district were also launched. Besides, in Tiruchy itself, three party MLAs are staying away from the functions of the two ministers from the district.
Some of the MLAs who crossed over to the camp of former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam had rivalries with their district leadership and such local infighting is a major source of worry for the AIADMK which lacks a strong leadership at the moment.
Even if the AIADMK passes the no confidence motion against the Speaker, the DMK is likely to demand division to pass the budget and it will be another test on the very next day and the AIADMK leadership will have to ensure full attendance of their members for the next couple of days in the budget session, besides keeping a close watch on them.
