The AIADMK on Tuesday said it has moved to disqualify 24 of its MLAs under the anti-defection law for voting in support of the Tamil Nadu government led
by Chief Minister Vijay during the trust vote in the Assembly earlier in the day. The party alleged that the legislators defied an official whip issued on Monday directing all AIADMK members to vote against the TVK government during the floor test. Vijay, whose Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) had 105 MLAs of its own, secured the backing of 144 legislators in the confidence motion, while 22 voted against the government. Five MLAs abstained and the 59-member DMK bloc led by MK Stalin staged a walkout before the voting. Addressing a press conference in Chennai, senior AIADMK leaders said the rebel MLAs had violated the party whip and were therefore liable for action under the anti-defection law. “If the legislators vote against the party whip, provisions of the anti-defection law will apply to them,” the party leaders said, adding that a formal complaint seeking their disqualification has already been submitted. The AIADMK further announced disciplinary action within the party, stating that it has sought the removal of leaders including CV Shanmugam, SP Velumani, C Vijaybhaskar and others from their organisational posts.
