Key Facts
Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker J C D Prabhakar on Friday announced that showcause notices have been issued to four former AIADMK MLAs who defected to the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The legislators — S Jayakumar (Perundurai), K Maragadham Kumaravel (Madurantakam), Sathya Bama (Dharapuram) and Isakki Subaya (Ambasamudram) — were among 25 AIADMK MLAs who voted in favour of the TVK during the crucial trust vote held on May 13.
Details of the Notice
The four MLAs resigned on May 25 and formally joined TVK in the presence of senior party leaders, including general secretaries N Anand and Aadhav Arjuna, at the Secretariat. The Speaker stated that while 21 of the rebel legislators have been forgiven, action has been initiated against these four. “Already I had told that they will face action. We have issued a showcause notice seeking an explanation based on the complaint from AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami,” Prabhakar told reporters. The notice was issued on June 9, and the MLAs must respond within seven days.
Background of the Rebellion
The 25-member rebel faction, led by former minister S P Velumani, later met AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami and resolved differences. They agreed to function as a united AIADMK under Palaniswami’s leadership. The four MLAs, however, did not return to the party and instead joined TVK.
Assembly Session and Live-Streaming Plans
Responding to another query, Prabhakar said the Assembly secretariat is exploring the possibility of live-streaming the entire session beginning June 18. “No one’s voice will be suppressed in the Assembly. We are exploring the options of live-streaming the entire Assembly session,” he said. A two-day training programme for legislators will be held in Chennai on June 16 and 17, inaugurated by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay. The programme aims to familiarise newly elected MLAs with Assembly procedures. “All the MLAs have been invited to take part. Even those seniors would be able to share their knowledge to the juniors during the session. Chief Minister is scheduled to inaugurate and address the gathering on that day,” Prabhakar added.
Governor’s Address
Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Arlekar is scheduled to deliver his maiden address to the Assembly during the first session of the TVK government beginning June 18. Prabhakar had earlier called on Arlekar at the Raj Bhavan and formally invited him to address the House. Arlekar took over as governor on March 12, replacing R N Ravi, ahead of the Assembly elections.
FAQ
Why did the Speaker issue notices to these four MLAs?
The four former AIADMK MLAs voted in favour of the ruling TVK during the trust vote on May 13, later resigned and joined TVK. The Speaker issued showcause notices based on a complaint from AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami.
How many rebel MLAs were forgiven?
21 of the 25 rebel AIADMK MLAs were granted forgiveness after they resolved differences with the party leadership.
What is the deadline for the four MLAs to respond?
The showcause notice was issued on June 9, and they have 7 days to respond.
Source: www.hindustantimes.com