BJP defends Governor actions

Chennai: Contending that Governor CH. Vidsagar Rao is not delaying the swearing-in of the next Chief Minister, the BJP on Sunday said the onus of making a right decision to ensure stability in the state rested with the Governor. Also, the party demanded a probe into the allegations of chief minister O. Panneerselvam that he was forced to resign.

Refuting allegations that the BJP was behind the present crisis in the AIADMK, BJP state president Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan claimed that the trouble within the AIADMK started after V.K Sasikala’s election as general secretary on February 5 and two days later Panneerselvam raised a banner of revolt claiming he was forced to resign.

“We stand with the sentiments of the people and want a stable government to be formed in the State for the all-round development of Tamil Nadu,” Dr. Tamilisai told reporters here. Though the Governor was taking his time, he would make a right decision and end the ongoing political crisis in the ruling AIADMK. Arguing that it was not fair to blame the Governor who is acting as per law, she said, “The Governor’s duty is not confined to swearing-in CM but to ensure stability in Tamil Nadu. So, he cannot be compelled. Don’t criticise the Governor’s decision.”

Pointing out that the “huddle’ of all the legislators at a resort and conducting meetings was against democracy, Dr. Tamilisai sought to know why the AIADMK MLAs were made to stay at one place. “What is the necessity? This raises suspicion,” she said.

Meanwhile, Union Minister of state for road transport, highways and shipping, Pon Radhakrishnan, said the Governor cannot not take a decision in hurry. “He might be taking time to make a right decision…the Governor must be looking into various aspects and would take a right decision benefiting the State.”