AIADMK leader C V Shanmugam, who is part of the rebel group, asserted that the mandate is for Vijay’s TVK, and, therefore, extended his support to the actor-politician’s government on behalf of the AIADMK Legislative Party.
Ahead of the crucial floor test of Vijay-led TVK-Congress government in Tamil Nadu, Edappadi K Palaniswami-led AIADMK is staring at a split as a faction of rebel MLAs have publicly extended their support to the actor-politician.
AIADMK leader C V Shanmugam, who is part of the rebel group, asserted that the mandate is for Vijay’s TVK, and, therefore, extended his support to the actor-politician’s government on behalf of the AIADMK Legislative Party.
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“The people’s mandate is for Vijay to become Chief Minister. So, we respect the people’s mandate. To honour that mandate, first of all, we wholeheartedly congratulate Chief Minister Vijay. We, as the AIADMK party and the AIADMK Legislative Party, extend our full support to the TVK government headed by the Chief Minister,” he told reporters.
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Shanmugam also questioned the leadership of AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami and claimed that proposals were put forward suggesting that AIADMK should form the government with the support of the DMK.
“AIADMK was founded to uproot the DMK, which we consider an evil force in Tamil Nadu. That was the foremost aim of AIADMK, founded by Dr. MGR and later protected and strengthened by Amma. Therefore, any proposal to align with the DMK goes against the basic principles of our party, and both our legislators and party members oppose it,” he added.
Amid the rebellion, Palaniswami camp MLA Thalavai N. Sundaram said that the AIADMK is very much part of the BJP-led NDA and that the statements given by Shanmugam are false.
“All the statements given by CV Shanmugam are false. They want a berth with the TVK. We will take legal action (if MLAs split). We met the Speaker regarding many issues. We have given a list of MLAs to the Speaker. The NDA alliance is present…,” he added.
Dhinakaran expells MLA S Kamraj from AMMK
Meanwhile, TTV Dhinakaran’s Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) is also witnessing internal rumblings with party MLA S Kamraj being expelled for extending support to the TVK.
“The Mannargudi Member of Legislative Assembly of the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam, S Kamaraj, has, in violation of the party’s stand, independently extended his support to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in the Assembly today. Since this act is contrary to the objectives and principles of the party, S. Kamaraj is hereby removed from all positions, including his basic membership of the party, with effect from today,” TTV Dhinakaran posted on X.
Kamraj was also in touch with AIADMK’s Shanmugam and had met him at his residence just a couple of days ago.
He, however, had told reporters that he will continue to work with Dhinakaran in the AMMK.
Vijay has been asked to prove his majority on the floor of the House on or before May 13.
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