Chennai, Jul 4 (PTI) The leaders of the opposition DMK, AIADMK, and BJP called on Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Saturday seeking action on the TVK government based on allegations of horse-trading leading to mass defections, and unauthorised persons attending the cabinet meeting.
The DMK delegation submitted a memorandum raising serious concerns over the alleged illegal arrest, custodial coercion, and attempts to induce defection of elected representatives through the misuse of police machinery, the Governor said.
The memorandum also highlighted allegations of inducements offered to MLAs to switch parties and raised concerns regarding unauthorised individuals participating in official government proceedings. “They (DMK) urged immediate constitutional intervention, an independent enquiry, and appropriate action to safeguard democratic institutions,” Arlekar said in a statement on ‘X’.
The AIADMK’s memorandum, he said, sought constitutional intervention regarding alleged horse-trading, engineered resignations of MLAs, and the subversion of the electoral mandate.
“The (AIADMK) representation also sought an independent inquiry into the alleged participation of private individuals in Cabinet meetings and confidential Government deliberations chaired by the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu,” the Governor said.
In its memorandum the BJP stated that, apart from the ministers, two private individuals had attended the recently concluded Tamil Nadu Cabinet meeting, which constituted an “illegal act and a violation of the oath of secrecy”.
“Strongly condemning this transgression, it urged the Governor to initiate appropriate legal action,” the Lok Bhavan said.
It requested the Governor to advise the chief minister to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future.
The BJP also sought a proper inquiry into the conduct of state Higher Education Minister P Vishwanahan who had behaved inappropriately with a minor girl.
Later, AIADMK leader Agri Krishnamurthy and party MP Inbathurai told reporters that the party urged the Governor to exercise his constitutional authority to investigate the defections and maintain political ethics.
“The Governor, as the constitutional head of the state, should invoke Article 167 to demand an explanation from the chief secretary and other high-ranking officials regarding allegations of cabinet secrecy breaches and improper government conduct. If the government’s response is unsatisfactory, then the Governor could potentially submit a report to the Central government, triggering intervention under Article 356,” Inbadurai remarked.
Referring to the dismissal of the M Karunanidhi government in 1991, citing deterioration of law and order, Krishnamurthy claimed that the present situation appeared to be similar as there was a “potential constitutional breakdown” as official secrecy and constitutional norms were being violated with unauthorised individuals attending the cabinet meetings.
He argued that the poaching of MLAs was a violation of the anti-defection law as per the Tenth Schedule.
Krishnamurthy exuded confidence that Arlekar would take appropriate action in accordance with the law.
The AIADMK delegation raised the issue of mass defections from the party to the TVK, alleging that the ruling party was indulging in horse-trading to poach its legislators and party leaders.
Seeking immediate action, the leaders said those resigning as MLAs should not be allowed to contest in the by-elections from the same constituencies from which they won on AIADMK tickets.
DMK organising secretary R S Bharathi was accompanied by party MP P Wilson, party leader S Austin and I Paranthamen.
“We raised the issue of horse-trading and attempts to poach the legislators such as our MLA Anitha R Radhakrishnan through harassment, legal intimidation and financial offers,” Bharathi later told reporters.
He was optimistic that the Governor, as custodian of the state, would take appropriate legal action based on their memorandum.
“The arrest of Anitha Radhakrishnan, representing the Tiruchendur Assembly constituency, in a case related to making derogatory remarks (against CM C Joseph Vijay) is an example of political misuse of power,” Bharathi claimed.
Earlier, state BJP chief Nainar Nagenthran, specifically naming TVK’s poll strategist John Arokiyasamy and Vishnu Reddy, alleged that the “unauthorised individuals” attended the Cabinet meeting, violating the protocol.
“I have petitioned Governor Arlekar to take appropriate action,” Nagenthran told reporters after meeting the Governor along with party chief spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy and TN in-charge Arvind Menon.
Though the opposition BJP and DMK allege that certain individuals have become close to the power centre, the ruling TVK has clarified that both Arokiyasamy and Reddy have been appointed as special advisers to the chief minister, and hence are no longer private entities.
On the law and order situation, Nagenthran said, “In the 54 days since the TVK took up the reins, there has been a rise in criminal activities, including 151 sexual assaults, over 85 murders and incidents involving drug smuggling.” To a question, the BJP leader defended Arlekar’s review meeting with local officials in Madurai and asserted that the Governor has the authority to inspect government programmes and demand transparency under Article 167 of the Constitution. PTI JSP ROH JSP ADB JSP ADB
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