Chennai: Although, DMK does not believe that 19 MLAs supporting AIADMK (Amma) deputy general secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran could be disqualified, party functionaries are aware that such a move could be quicker route for the party to come to power even without a spell of Governor's rule or Assembly elections.
A possible disqualification, if at all, it comes through will lead to byelections for 20 seats including RK Nagar and the DMK leaders are optimistic of sweeping all the seats, in such a scenario. The party alliance tally would go up to 118 out of the 234-member Assembly, in case of such byelections.
DMK functionaries do not expect Dhinakaran's supporters to be disqualified since there are no legal provisions to do so before a voting and violation of whip. Even if Speaker resorted to such an action, the MLAs could seek a legal remedy.
"If the disqualified legislators are persuaded not to approach the court against any such possible action, byelections must be held for 20 seats including RK Nagar. At the moment, we will sweep all the 20 seats and can form a government without facing Assembly elections. If the government is brought down, a spell of Governor's rule is expected to last for a few months. Disqualification of 19 MLAs will be a quicker route for DMK rule. But, we do not expect such a possibility or wish to come to power through shortcut methods", a DMK functionary said.
DMK will not try to bring a no-confidence motion against the beleaguered Edappadi K. Palaniswami government as the conflict between the Chief Minister's faction and that of Dhinakaran is expected to escalate further after the notice issued to 19 MLAs by Speaker P. Dhanapal.
DMK spokesperson T.K.S. Elangovan said his party had no idea to press for a no-confidence motion.
He further said the AIADMK (Amma) government would fall on its own.
Further moves to expel party general secretary V.K. Sasikala from her post is certain to bring the two factions to a head on collision and a floor test could be a matter of weeks or few months. The divisions in the AIADMK are coming out further with two more ruling party MLAs 'Thoppu' N. Venkatachalam (Perundhurai) and E.A. Rathinasabapathy (Aranthangi) suggesting a compromise allowing Sasikala and Dhinakaran to continue in the party. The cracks are expected to open further.
Besides, one of Sasikala's family members, V.K. Dhivakaran had openly supported the DMK's protest against Neet.
Even though the DMK had not acknowledged the support coming from a key member of Sasikala's family, the party feels the family is building grounds to join hands with the DMK to bring down Palaniswami government.
DMK to take floor test demand to President
DMK working president on Thursday said his party would take the issue of testing the majority of Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palanisami to President Ram Math Kovind.
He told the media at DMK headquarters here that the issue would be taken to the President if Governor Ch. Vidyasagar Rao did respond to DMK's letter demanding floor test. He also said his party would approach the court if necessary.
