Particle.news

AIADMK Split Deepens as Speaker Reviews Rival Disqualification Pleas

Local defections to Vijay’s TVK signal shifting power in a weakened AIADMK.

Overview

  • The Tamil Nadu Speaker said Saturday that petitions from both AIADMK camps seeking disqualification of rival lawmakers are under scrutiny.
  • The AIADMK, now down to 47 seats, fractured after Wednesday’s trust vote when 25 of its MLAs backed Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay in defiance of the party whip.
  • After the vote, Edappadi K. Palaniswami removed dozens of office-bearers, and rival groups later fought for control of party offices in Villupuram, Cuddalore and Karur.
  • TVK reported fresh entrants from both DMK and AIADMK on Sunday, as local leaders switch sides ahead of anticipated urban local body elections.
  • Under India’s anti-defection law, the Speaker rules on whether MLAs who defy a party whip lose their seats, which could trigger by-elections if expulsions stand.