Tamil Nadu Speaker P Dhanapal disqualifies 18 AIADMK MLAs loyal to TTV Dinakaran

Rebel AIADMK leader TTV Dinakaran.

Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker P Dhanapal on Monday disqualified 18 MLAs – those backing rebel AIADMK leader and side-lined deputy general secretary TTV Dhinakaran. They were disqualified under the anti-defection law, according to a press release issued by the Speaker’s office. The 18 MLAs had demanded the replacement of Chief Minister E Palaniswami and had earlier written individual letters to the Governor Vidyasagar Rao demanding the same. They alleged that the Chief Minister was misusing powers, including state machinery.

Following their disqualification, the rebel MLAs have said they will move court. The decision comes days ahead of a floor test that is likely be held post September 20 to determine if the E Palaniswami government still enjoys the confidence of the House.

On Sunday, Palaniswami accused the Dinakaran faction of “colluding with the Opposition DMK” in attempting to topple his government.

“Some are believing the DMK and making a miscalculation that they can bring down this regime and break the party (AIADMK).” Palaniswami was addressing the gathering at the centenary celebrations of late chief minister and AIADMK founder M G Ramachandran.

Deputy CM O Panneerselvam also warned the rebel and Opposition terming the ruling faction as a ‘mountain’.

“The AIADMK is a mountain. If anyone bangs against it, his head will be shattered to pieces…this is a warning to the conspirators who are trying to topple this government.”

Dinakaran claims the support of 21 of the 134 MLAs of the ruling AIADMK.