Dhinakaran axes chief whip from AIADMK post
Chennai, Aug. 26: Sidelined AIADMK deputy general secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran removed chief government whip S. Rajendran from a key party post, two days after the latter sought disqualification of the 19 MLAs owing allegiance to him.
Mr Rajendran was being “relieved” as the district secretary of Ariyalur, Mr Dhinakaran said in a statement, while continuing to effect changes in the party ranks.
He appointed Muthiayan Rajendran’s place.
On Thursday, Mr Rajendran had petitioned Assembly Speaker P. Dhanapal for the disqualification of the 19 proDhinakaran MLAs who had revolted against chief minister K. Palaniswami.
The Dhinakaran-loyalist MLAs had met governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao seeking removal of Palaniswami as the chief minister.
Following Rajendran’s P. in plea, the Speaker had issued notices to all the 19 MLAs, seeking their response on the matter.
Citing reports, Mr Rajendran had said the MLAs told Mr Rao they were “withdrawing” support to Mr Palaniswami even as there was no change in the party’s February 14 unanimous decision to elect him as AIADMK Legislature Party Leader.
The legislators had also addressed the media, which was an “anti-party activity” and the act implied “voluntary relinquishing of membership”, Mr Rajendran had said.