Ahead of verdict, Dhinakaran to sequester MLAs in resort

CHENNAI: Amid strong expectations of the Supreme Court-appointed judge delivering his verdict in the case of disqualification of 18 lawmakers loyal to TTV Dhinakaran, the MLAs are to be sequestered in a resort in Courtallam town in Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli district.

Dhinakaran, who is VK Sasikala’s nephew, had pulled out the lawmakers from the support of the Edappadi K Palaniswami Government after the split factions of the AIADMK merged in September last year.

Speaker P Dhanapal had disqualified the 18 lawmakers who withdrew support to the Government through individual letters to the then Governor Vidyasagar Rao.


After a year-long legal battle, the Supreme Court-appointed third judge is expected to pronounce his verdict on Wednesday.

“There will be 20 MLAs staying in a resort in Courtallam area. They will be staying for 2-3 days,” said former legislator P Vetrivel, who is also among the inner circles of Dhinakaran’s political outfit.

According to people in the know, the lawmakers will stay in a resort owned by former law minister and Dhinakaran loyalist Esakki Subbiah. Vetrivel, however, will be in the city.

The AIADMK now enjoys the support of 116 lawmakers in the Assembly, as per the state Assembly website. However, lawmaker Karunaas has been openly supporting Dhinakaran, revealing his loyalty should there be a floor rest.

Dhinakaran had often claimed to have the support of unknown AIADMK lawmakers who have remained hidden: he called them sleeper cells who will weigh in his favour in a Trust Vote.

“We have six MLAs and two ministers on our side now and that number could go even higher,” Vetrivel told ET on the phone.