Twenty-five AIADMK legislators who backed the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government now risk disqualification under anti-defection rules. Party leader O.S. Manian confirmed that proceedings will begin soon.
The rebel group, which includes former minister S.P. Velumani, voted in favour of the trust motion moved by the TVK government. In contrast, the 22 MLAs loyal to general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami voted against the motion.
O.S. Manian, former AIADMK minister, told reporters that the Supreme Court ruling in the Shiv Sena case gives the general secretary sole authority to appoint the whip. He said the 25 legislators had defied the party whip and that action would follow.
The rebels have so far avoided pushing for an immediate general council meeting. A senior leader from the group stated that their current priority is to resolve the legislature party dispute first.
Mr. Velumani, once a close associate of Mr. Palaniswami, has recently adopted a conciliatory tone while still calling for an analysis of the party’s recent electoral losses.
