AIADMK MLAs huddle inconclusive; meeting put off

Reliable sources confirmed that all the party MLAs gathered at the Apollo Hospitals on Monday morning for an unofficial meeting to decide the future course of action in the wake of the sudden development.  “At the meeting, it was decided that all the legislators would meet again at the party headquarters in that evening,” an AIADMK leader said. However, the meeting scheduled at 6 pm to chalk out various strategies did not take place despite the MLAs assembling at the party headquarters. 

Sources could not state exactly when the meeting would take place again, but only reiterated that “it has been postponed.” “It could be later in the night or even tomorrow... all we can confirm is that the meeting has been postponed,” they added. Meanwhile, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly P Dhanapal was seen rushing to the Apollo Hospitals around 9.15 pm.  Sources said that an important announcement could be made later in the night. Party circles claimed that finance minister O Panneerselvam, who is currently holding all the portfolios that were handled by Chief Minister and headed cabinet meetings, could be elevated to play a bigger role. The CM has been undergoing treatment at the Apollo Hospitals here since Sept 22.  As the state machinery has been virtually on a standstill since the CM was away at hospital, Governor Vidyasagar Rao had announced O Panneerselvam would head cabinet meetings and handle all the portfolios held by the CM.

There is a clear legal procedure to announce the formation of a new Government in case the incumbent head of state vacates the chair. In the event of a Chief Minister vacating his or her chair a vacuum is created in the state. The council of ministers elected by him or her also falls apart. This immediately automates the ruling party to choose a person for that particular post. But there is no such rule that he or she should be a member of the legislative assembly. There remain no complications if the party chooses an elected member. But if the party selects a member who is not a MLA then he or she must to have to win the election within six months. Failure to get elected within the six months would result in the person forfeiting the post. Also, as per Article 164 of the Indian Constitution, the Chief Minister shall be appointed by the Governor and other Ministers shall be appointed by the Governor on Chief Minister’s advice.