Chennai, May 13 (IANS) A fierce power struggle has erupted within the AIADMK over who commands the support of the majority of MLAs, with rival camps led by Edappadi K. Palaniswami and senior leader S.P. Velumani claiming control of the party’s legislature wing ahead of the crucial trust vote in the Tamil Nadu Assembly.

The internal battle has now placed Assembly Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar at the centre of the political crisis, as his decision on recognising the AIADMK Legislature Party leader and chief whip could determine the voting pattern of the party’s MLAs and influence the fate of the TRP-led government.

Both factions have submitted separate letters to the Speaker claiming majority support among AIADMK legislators.

In a dramatic twist, political sources said several MLAs’ signatures reportedly appear in both letters submitted by the rival camps, creating confusion over which faction actually enjoys majority backing within the party.

Legal and constitutional experts said the Speaker’s recognition of either faction would have major consequences under the anti-defection law. If the Speaker recognises Palaniswami’s camp, AIADMK MLAs would be bound to follow the whip issued by his faction and vote against the ruling TVK alliance during the confidence motion.

Defying the whip could invite disqualification proceedings under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution. However, if Velumani’s faction is recognised, a majority of AIADMK legislators may back the TVK government without immediately facing disqualification threats.

Political observers pointed out that the Speaker is not bound by any fixed constitutional deadline to decide the issue and could delay the matter, citing the ongoing dispute within the party.

At the same time, he also has the authority to immediately recognise one faction based on legislative strength and supporting documents. Some political circles have suggested that the AIADMK legislature party could effectively function as two separate blocs inside the Assembly. However, constitutional experts clarified that the Speaker cannot formally split a recognised political party.

They noted that only the Election Commission has the authority to decide disputes relating to party ownership or election symbols, while the Speaker can only recognise the legislature party leader and whip for Assembly proceedings.

Experts further observed that if two-thirds of AIADMK MLAs — estimated at around 32 legislators — support Velumani’s faction, they could seek protection from disqualification under provisions of the anti-defection law.

With the trust vote approaching, the Speaker’s decision is expected to become a crucial turning point in determining both the future of the AIADMK and the stability of the Tamil Nadu government.

–IANS

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