GC meet invalid sans General Secretary’s order: TTV Dinakaran

Addressing the media, TTV Dinakaran said, “The GCM convened in Chennai was only a public meeting organised by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam. The resolutions adopted will not have any effect as the GCM can only be convened by the general secretary of the party. However, the validity of the resolutions could be decided only by the court.”

He also said that both Palaniswami and Panneerselvam had said that they could not see any one in the seat of former general secretary J Jayalalithaa, but they both have forcefully occupied the seat. He further said that 21 MLAs are supporting him and there is no majority for the ruling government. “The Governor knows this but is hesitating to take action. Due to the silence of the Governor, people have started losing faith on him. He will give two days’ time to the Governor to take necessary action. If no action is taken I will decide on the next course of action,” he said. 

He also stated that if the MLAs and ministers resign and contest the election, they would not even get deposit. “All the 1.5 crore AIADMK supporters are still supporting him,” Dinakaran added. 

Eighteen legislators loyal to sacked AIADMK deputy general secretary TTV Dinakaran are likely to face action from the Assembly Speaker P Dhanapal on a complaint of withdrawing support to the Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami. 

The rebel group had been directed to appear in person before the Speaker on September 24, in the last of three notices served on them. The notice further stated that action will be necessitated against them based on whatever evidences and submissions available with the Speaker’s office in this regard. Sources indicated that the ruling dispensation is expected to take a stern action against the said lot. 

TTV loyalists might move the court for staying any proceedings against them since disqualifying them would change the composition of the House, and debar them from taking part in the Assembly proceedings in case a Floor Test was ordered. As many as 19 MLAs from TTV faction had submitted a letter to Tamil Nadu Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao withdrawing their earlier support to EPS to form the government. 

Reacting to the letter, the Government Chief Whip S Rajendran wrote to the Speaker recommending disqualification of all 19 MLAs under the provisions of the Members of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly (Disqualification of Defection) Rules, 1986. This led to the Speaker to necessitate the process of disqualification with showcause notices to the rebel group.