Not a setback, says defiant TTV

Stating that he had expected a favourable verdict, Dhinakaran said, “However, this is certainly not a setback. I will consult all the 18 disqualified MLAs on whether to file an appeal in the Supreme Court.”

When asked about his personal views on the issue, Dhinakaran said that he would prefer all the 18 MLAs to face the public and be prepared for the byelections. “But a decision will be taken only after consulting with my supporters,” he said.

Some of the senior AMMK leaders including P Vetrivel, Thanga Tamil Selvan and Senthil Balaji have said that they would follow any decision taken by the party high command.

“Don’t see this as a setback for us. The truth is that we can bring down this government through the floor test or contesting the bypolls,” responded P Vetrivel.

“The ruling dispensation is buying time through litigations. The AIADMK fears to face the AMMK and its leadership. The bypolls to assembly seats and the civic polls are delayed by the ruling AIADMK, but we are looking forward to the elections to prove that the public mandate is with us,” he said.