SIVAKASI
Minister for Diary Development K.T. Rajenthra Bhalaji has said those who had left the AIADMK would return to the party.
Speaking at a public meeting organised at Sevalpatti near here in connection with former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa’s 70th birth anniversary on Saturday, he said the AIADMK rule in the State would continue. However, Mr. Bhalaji went on to explain that he was referring to those who were in the party when Jayalalithaa was alive.
“Several cadre who had left the party in our district had returned to the AIADMK in the last few days. I was only referring to that. I was expressing my wish that the AIADMK rule should continue to realise the dreams of Jayalaithaa,” he said.
Mr. Bhalaji said people had written off the AIADMK when it lost deposit in Pennagaram by-election in the past. “However, it became the third largest party in the country (in terms of number of MPs). The AIADMK cadre would not join other parties under any circumstances,” he added.
Reacting to Mr. Bhalaji’s statement, Pughalenthi, supporter of sidelined AIADMK leader T.T.V. Dhinakaran, said more than 60 MLAs and many Ministers were ready back up Dhinakaran.
“As soon as the verdict on disqualification of 18 MLAs (all supporters of Mr. Dhinakaran), is delivered, except for a few Ministers, all will join us,” he said while addressing media in Madurai on Sunday.
Mr. Pugalenthi said despite being forced to speak against Mr. Dhinakaran, many senior Ministers refused to do so.
