The AIADMK said today that they have applied for the disqualification of 24 MLAs — who voted in favour of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay earlier today — under the anti-defection law. The party said they have ignored a whip issued yesterday that ordered them to vote against the TVK government, which had to prove its numbers on the floor of the House today.
Vijay, whose party had 105 MLAs — Vijay gave up one seat, one was the Speaker and one was barred from voting by the court after his victory was challenged — was backed by 144 lawmakers while 22 voted against them. Five MLAs had abstained from voting. The 59 MLAs of MK Stalin’s DMK had walked out.
Read: Vijay Wins Floor Test With 144 Votes, 24 AIADMK MLAs Vote For Him
“Since around 25 members acted against the whip, they are liable for losing their posts under the anti-defection law… We have submitted a petition today seeking their disqualification. If they (the rebels) vote against the whip issued by the party, the anti-defection law will apply to them,” said the AIADMK, whose senior leaders held a press conference in Chennai today.
“A complaint has to be filed by the political party. We have now submitted that complaint,” the AIADMK leaders said, underscoring that they have applied for relieving CV Shanmugam, SP Velumani, C Vijaybhaskar and others from their party posts. Under the anti-defection law, the rebels can be disqualified as MLAs as well, calling for a by-election in all 24 seats.
The rebel group has dug in its heels, arguing there was no discussion with the newly elected MLAs for the appointment of the whip. So the appointment was illegal and there was no question of obeying the whip.
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