“Will AIADMK replace Palaniswami if BJP asks…?”: Former Tamil Nadu CM Panneerselvam
Panneerselvam's attack on the AIADMK comes amid reports that the AIADMK had asked for removal of BJP state president K Annamalai.
The opposition staged massive protests inside the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Saturday ahead of the crucial vote of confidence by the Edapady Palaniswami government with legislators tearing and throwing papers, breaking tables and even indulging in scuffles.
As tempers flared, Speaker P Dhanapal stalled the proceedings and was escorted out by marshals shortly after the House assembled to facilitate the floor test.
The opposition members were demanding a secret voting.
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Palaniswami, who was sworn in as Chief Minister two days ago, opted to prove his majority on Saturday even though he was given 15 days time by Governor Vidyasagar Rao.
Earlier in the day, AIADMK rebel O Panneerselvam got a boost when Coimbatore North MLA Arun Kumar announced his decision to abstain from voting after Friday's decision by Mylapore MLA and former DGP R Natraj to vote against the government.
With the decision of the two, the Palaniswami camp is left with 122 MLAs in the 234-member House with one vacancy.
Ailing DMK supremo M Karunanidhi was not present in the House.
In another development, the Panneerselvam camp appointed Semmalai as the party whip in the assembly and sent a letter to the Speaker to this effect.
(With inputs from agencies)
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