TN Speaker’s decision on 18 MLAs likely today

MLA P Vetrivel (Perambur), a staunch supporter of sacked AIADMK deputy general secretary TTV Dinakaran, met Dhanapal at the latter’s office in Secretariat on Wednesday. 

It is learnt Vetrivel’s request to extend the ultimatum of the Speaker for the legislators to appear in person was not conceded during the meeting.

Sources said that the Speaker would convey his decision as he had already made it clear in the last of the three notices served on all 19 MLAs, TTV loyalists, presented individual letters to Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao.  The Speaker had stated that he would act based on the available submissions and evidences if the legislators chose to be absent.

MLA STK Jakkaiyan (Cumbum), who recently switched sides to the ruling dispensation, would be spared since he had already made his submission before the Speaker explaining his stand. The Speaker’s action comes in the wake of recommendations made by Government Chief Whip S Rajendran to disqualify the MLAs for acting against the  interest of the party.  It is highly unlikely for the TVV supporters to make it for enquiry as most of them barring a few are holed up in a resort in Coorg, Karnataka.

Thangatamilselvan, who is among those staying in the resort, told DTNext they do not plan to attend the enquiry, and will face it legally.  

Later in the day, the Speaker held an hour-long discussion with Advocate General Vijay Narayan. The Speaker is said to have discussed the upcoming cases in the Madras High Court, especially the gutkha issue and the DMK seeking the floor test.