CHENNAI: CM Edappadi K Palaniswami and Deputy CM O Panneerselvam have not reacted to the verdict. Speaking to Express, AIADMK spokesperson G Samarasam said “We were expecting the verdict eagerly. Now that the case is being referred to a third judge, we have to wait for some more time. We are sure that Speaker’s decision is final and the third judge will uphold it.”
Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam deputy general secretary TTV Dhinakaran maintained his cool after the verdict. Answering queries of mediapersons at his residence at Besant Nagar, he rubbished media reports that some of the MLAs supporting him were absent at the meeting.
“All the 18 MLAs are standing with me firmly. A few MLAs could not come today because they have important personal works. Even if the verdict has gone against us, all the 18 MLAs would have stayed with us to take our legal fight to the next level,” Dhinakaran added. He even said some MLAs, presently supporting the ruling party, may switch. Thanga Tamil Selvan, one of the disqualified MLAs, said, “We would not have gone on appeal even if we had lost the case. We are ready to face the polls.”