Direct CM to prove majority: TTV Dhinakaran to governor

Chennai: Embattled AIADMK leader TTV Dhinakaran on Thursday met Governor CH Vidyasagar Rao demanding that he direct Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami to prove his majority on the floor of the Assembly even as he harped on his “sleeper cells” in the legislature party who would “act when the need arose.” 

Meeting Rao 15 days after 19 legislators supporting him submitted a letter withdrawing their support to Palaniswami, Dhinakaran told the Governor that the Chief Minister has “lost his majority” in the AIADMK Legislature Party since required number of MLAs - 117 -- did not turn up at a meeting called by him on Tuesday.

 “We apprised the Governor of the latest developments and told him that Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami has lost his majority and is indulging in horse trading to cling to power. To stop such activities, we asked the Governor to direct the Chief Minister to prove his majority. Governor told us that he is watching the situation and will take good decision soon,” Dhinakaran told reporters after the meeting.

The ousted AIADMK leader repeated more than once that their demand was removal of Chief Minister Palaniswami since he “betrayed” the leadership, suggesting that their motive was not to rock the government. Political analysts said Dhinakaran seemed to have knocked at the wrong doors since Raj Bhawan does not decide who gets to be the Chief Minister.

 “Only the legislature party of the ruling outfit decides the leader who in turn is made the Chief Minister. So, if Dhinakaran wants just a change in leadership, he should not be seeking Governor's intervention. Dhinakaran is trying to hide his lack of courage in toppling the government by doing such public stunt. The fact is MLAs are not willing to let go of power,” political analyst Ravindran Duraisamy said.

 On STK Jaggaiyan leaving his camp and joining the CM's faction, Dhinakaran sought to downplay the issue, saying he was forced to jump the ship after he was “threatened.”

 “One person has left us, but three people have joined us,” pointing to Thiruvadanai MLA Karunas, who won the elections on Two Leaves symbol, said.

 “The EPS camp is indulging in horse trading to ensure that it stays in power. Our sleeper cells are still active in the AIADMK legislature party and they will get activated when the need arises. Our support base is intact,” he said.

 Maintaining that his intention is to change the chief minister and his deputy O Panneerselvam, Dhinakaran said he was not willing to blame anyone, including the BJP, for the crisis. 

“Why should I blame BJP or anyone when the problem is with the CM. He was made CM by us but he betrayed,” Dhinakaran said.