With Governor Banwarilal Purohit summoning the legislative session for January, 8, 2018, by a special notification on Thursday, stage is set for a political showdown in Tamil Nadu.
It was also announced on Thursday that TTV Dhinakaran, the independent candidate who won the RK Nagar by-poll held on December 21 would take oath as MlA on Friday. Dhinakaran flew down to Bangalore on Thursday to seek the blessings of VK Sasikala, his jailed aunt and former aide to J Jayalalithaa.
It is believed that Sasikala has given the approval to Dhinakaran to go all out for an attack against the Edappadi Palaniswamy-led Government in Tamil Nadu. After the meeting between Dhinakaran and Sasikala, held at the Parappana Agrahara Prison, Thanga Tamilselvan, who was disqualified as MlA by the Speaker, said that stage is set for a leadership change in Tamil Nadu.
“Dhinakaran will soon become the Chief Minister of the State. It would happen in a couple of weeks’ time. Most of the MlAs and ministers have told us about their plans to cross over to the Dhinakaran camp,” Tamilselvan told The Pioneer. He is described as the conscience keeper of Dhinakaran.
The day saw another development when Selur Raju, minister for cooperation in the Edappadi Palanisway Government lambasted the AIADMK leadership for the victory of Dhinakaran in the RK Nagar by-election. He blamed the AIADMK leadership for genuflecting in front of the BJP. “The AIADMK is known for its stance against communalism. Ours is a secular party. The honourable Amma (read Jayalalithaa) never wanted to have any kind of alliance with the BJP, a communal outfit. But of late, our leadership is bending backwards to please the BJP and this has not gone down well with the people of Tamil Nadu,” said Selur Raju minutes after the governor issued the notification convening the assembly.
He also said that Dhinakaran won the election because of his steadfast stance against the communal BJP. Raju had remarked immediately after the declaration of the RK Nagar results that both the factions of the AIADMK should resolve their differences and come together.
But Chief Minister Palaniswamy and his deputy O Panneerselvan continue to be in an uncompromising stance as they struck again on Thursday by easing out 44 AIADMK activists who are known for their loyalty towards Sasikala and Dhinakaran.
Subramanian Swamy MP, senior BJP leader who had supported Dhinakaran in the by-poll has announced that he would strive hard to bring in unity in the AIADMK. “The need of hour is to keep the DMK out of power and I have initiated talks with both the faction of the AIADMK. The by-election result has showed that Dhinakaran has the support of the party cadre. Others should respect that sentiment,” said Swamy.