The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) on Thursday retracted reports of infighting after the party’s MLAs were shifted to neighboring Puducherry, amid intense political activity in Tamil Nadu in the wake of the riven Assembly election results.
Reacting to a report that the MLAs were transferred to Puducherry without approval from general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, the AIADMK said that all the newly elected legislators have already met the EPS for consultations.
Questioning the reports of the row, the AIADMK said: “When this is the actual ground reality, why do sections of the media, especially some national media, continue to indulge in rumour-mongering and spread baseless reports?” He follows Live updates on Tamil Nadu government formation.
The clarification came after reports claimed that senior AIADMK leader, CV Shanmugam, shifted pro-Vijay MLAs to a resort in Puducherry without Palaniswami’s approval.
AIADMK MLAs in Puducherry
Even as it denied rumors of infighting, the AIADMK maintained that its MLAs have already been transferred to Puducherry.
Party spokesperson Kovai Satyan told news agency PTI that the legislators have been accommodated in the union territory. However, he did not reveal how many MLAs were transferred or explain the reasoning behind the decision.
This development assumes significance as TVK continues its efforts to garner support and reach the majority mark of 118 members in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly.
AIADMK rules out support for TVK
Amid speculation about possible political alliances, AIADMK deputy general secretary KP Munusamy has categorically ruled out supporting Vijay’s party.
“Under no circumstances will the AIADMK support TVK. We are issuing this clarification as per the instructions of our party general secretary (Edappadi K Palaniswami),” Munusamy was quoted as saying by PTI.
The statement came after several newly elected AIADMK leaders and MLAs met Palaniswami at his Greenways Road residence after the May 4 election results.
Vijay meets the governor again
Meanwhile, TVK chief Vijay on Thursday arrived at Lok Bhavan to meet Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlikar, a day after formally demanding formation of the government with the support of the Congress.
This marks Vijay’s second visit to Raj Bhavan in 24 hours after TVK’s surprise performance in the April 23 Assembly elections.
On Wednesday, Vijay submitted the Congress’ letter of support to the Governor and sought an invitation to form the government. But official sources said that the governor has not yet taken a decision in this regard.
The numbers game intensifies
The Tamil Nadu Assembly elections have thrown the state in limbo, with Vijay-led TVK emerging as the single largest party.
TVK got 108 seats, DMK got 59 seats and AIADMK got 47 seats. Congress won 5 seats, PMK 4, IUML 2, CPI 2, CPI(M) 2, and VCK 2. BJP, DMDK and AMMK won 1 seat each.
The Congress has already expanded its support for TVK, which has led to an increase in Vijay’s numbers. But after Vijay vacated one of the two constituencies he won, TVK’s effective strength in the Assembly fell to 107. With Congress getting 5 MLAs, the alliance stands at 112 – which is still short of the 118 needed for a majority.
