Step aside or will topple government, TTV Dhinakaran tells EPS-OPS

Chennai: Emboldened by his stupendous victory in RK Nagar bypoll, AIADMK rebel TTV Dhinakaran on Friday gave an open call to the ruling party's top brass to “step aside” so that he can find ways to ‘still save’ the government for the remainder of its term. 

“There are just five to six people…they should simply step aside and show remorse for all their treachery. You five to six people are the problem and you should just go away, else I will ensure that this government falls in the next three months. As it is all leaders, expect the five or six, are yearning to join me,” Dhinakaran told reporters soon after he was sworn in as MLA. “If you step aside, I will find ways to save Amma's government. I know how to save this government even at this stage,” the MLA said, declaring that RK Nagar people have reflected the aspirations of the people of TN. 

Correct your mistakes, earn respect from public, cadres

The rebel leader pulled off an impressive show of strength both inside and outside the secretariat complex as hundreds of his supporters gathered on Kamarajar Salai (Beach Road) to welcome him as he made his short trip from his Karpagam Garden residence in Adyar to Fort St George. His supporters carried placards that called referred to him as “future CM of Tamil Nadu” and shouted slogans praising Dhinakaran and his aunt V. K. Sasikala. Speaker P. Dhanapal administered the oath of office to Dhinakaran at his chamber even as his supporters burst crackers outside the secretariat complex and those inside erupting in celebrations. Dhinakaran was sworn in at 1.43 pm, an auspicious time chosen by him. 

At his combative best, Dhinakaran, though he did not name anyone, put Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami, his deputy O. Panneerselvam and a couple of ministers on notice asking them to “correct their mistakes” and “earn the respect of people and cadre” at least now by “stepping aside.” “Anyways, these five or six people have already earned the ire of the people. The people have decided to teach a lesson to these people for deceiving the very same people who installed them in their respective positions. If you make way for the remaining, which anyway, want to join me, it would be good for your future,” he told the top brass. 

If the leaders don’t read the “writing on the wall” and continue with their “arrogant” attitude, the power, which they are enjoying today, will be snatched from their hands, Dhinakaran said. “Please think on your actions, go on a self-critical mode and rethink your strategy…if you attempt at reforming yourself at least now, then you may be left with some amount of self-respect,” Dhinakaran said. 

Reiterating his often-repeated threat, Dhinakaran said his “sleeper cells” would come out when there is a vote in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. “They will come out when there is the need. Verdict in the case relating to disqualification of MLAs might come in the end of January. So, by February or by latest March, this government will be sent packing,” Dhinakaran said.

The supporters threw flower petals at the vehicle of Dhinakaran even as they raised slogans hailing “TTV annan” (elder brother) and his recent win. Some of them also presented him shawls and bouquets as he halted his vehicle at several places along the arterial Kamarajar road off the famous Marina beach leading to Fort St George. Standing in the vehicle through the sunroof for sometime, the newly elected MLA waved to his supporters and also showed the victory sign of thumbs up.