Fourth AIADMK MLA Resigns, Sinking Party in Tamil Nadu
AIADMK's fourth MLA resigns amid political turmoil in Tamil Nadu, further weakening the party in the assembly. Debates over legitimacy of resignations and horse-trading tactics flare up within and outside the state.
Highlights
- •Fourth AIADMK MLA quits, strengthening TVK's position
- •AIADMK's internal factionalism fuels political debates
- •Congress MP S Jothimani criticizes 'horse-trading'
- •ALINDM's efforts to prevent resignations met with accusations
Chennai – The opposition All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) suffered another blow with the resignation of yet another rebel MLA, Esakki Subaya. This incident brings down the AIADMK's strength in the Tamil Nadu state assembly to 43 from 47. The move comes amidst a flurry of internal party dynamics and political intrigue, as the Assembly faced the resignation of three MLAs joining Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TVK) on May 25.
AIADMK's Internal Drama:
The AIADMK's leadership is divided. Chief Edappadi K Palaniswami-led faction urged Speaker JCD Prabhakar not to accept the resignations of Subaya and three other MLAs who had left on May 25.
With this development, the Palaniswami camp alleged that the three former AIADMK MLAs joined TVK before their resignation was officially notified. However, it is clear that after tendering his resignation letter, Subaya met senior TVK leader N Anand and seemed to signal a move toward joining forces.
Subaya stated, "I will meet him if I get the chance," referring to Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, while refusing direct commitment. His departure is seen as part of broader efforts by breakaway legislators supporting former ministers Shanmugam and Velumani under what some see as a strategic move for TVK's benefit.
Consequences and Implications
The AIADMK's internal horse-trading allegations, coupled with these resignations, have reignited debates about governance and party loyalty. Congress MP S Jothimani raised concerns over what she termed 'horse-trading,' asserting that the ruling TVK should not resort to such tactics.
Meanwhile, AIADMK leaders like Agri SS Krishnamurthy and IS Inbadurai claimed that if an earlier plea against 25 MLAs was pending, their resignations should not be accepted. They accused the government of encouraging such moves by quickly issuing membership cards post-resignation.
The TVK source suggested that Kumaravel, Sathyabama, and Jayakumar who resigned on Monday, would likely contest upcoming by-elections as members of the TVK party.
