AMMK uses MLAs disqualification threat as by-elections whipping tool

The Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) is using the issue in its campaign in four assembly bypolls and is claiming that AIADMK government will fall after the votes are counted on May 23.

Recently, AIADMK Whip S Rajendran, submitted a complaint letter to Assembly Speaker P Dhanapal, demanding disqualification of three MLAs, Prabhu of Kallakurichi constituency, Rathinasabapathy of Aranthangi constituency and Kalaichelvan of Viruddhachalam constituency. Rajendran said that the three MLAs are in close contact with AMMK general secretary TTV Dhinakaran and are holding party posts.

The issue was widely criticised by leaders of all the political parties and the only reason predicted by the Opposition parties is that AIADMK is seeking disqualification out of fear of loss in the recently conducted bypolls in the 18 Assembly constituencies.

The AMMK, which is directly linked in the issue, is however using it to their advantage. AMMK leaders, campaigners and the party candidates have taken the issue to the voters in their respective constituencies and are campaigning against the AIADMK with it. Dhinakaran, in his campaigns, is harping again on his initial statements that the ruling AIADMK government will not withstand after the election results are announced. The issue had come handy for the AMMK leaders for targeting the ruling party. One of the party spokesperson, RMD Ravindran said that this is not the first time that the three MLAs are targeted by the AIADMK, but now the issue had become sensational due to the fact that the ruling party leaders are very well aware of the fact that they will not get majority once the election results are announced.

He also said that the government had initiated the hasty move, but it has backfired on them. “We are getting good response among the public and people too have now realised that the move to suspend MLAs is due to fear of loss. We get a good response during the campaigns in the four constituencies,” added Ravindran.