Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami is all set to seek a vote of confidence on Saturday in the state assembly — that is likely to see some tight-rope walk, with the rival AIADMK faction led by O Panneerselvam joined by opposition parties to vote against the government. The southern state, that has not seen a day without hectic political developments since the past 10 days, is poised for another day of intense political activity with the scene shifting to the state assembly. Palaniswami, 63, a senior leader in the ruling AIADMK of the VK Sasikala camp, was sworn in on Thursday. He needs the support of 117 legislators to continue in the post. The AIADMK party commands the support of 124 legislators, including the Speaker, while the breakaway group led by former Chief Minister Panneerselvam has 11 legislators. The other opposition includes DMK with 89 members, Congress - eight, Indian Union Muslim League with one, and one seat is vacant. The DMK has said it will vote against the government, while the Congress has said it will wait for the party high command’s directive. However, the Congress has indicated it will vote against the Palaniswami government. The DMK (minus its President M. Karunanidhi who is unwell has 88 legislators to vote), Along with the Congress and Indian Union of Muslim League, the opposition group comes to 97. [caption id=“attachment_3289098” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  O Panneerselvam. PTI[/caption] The Panneerselvam camp has the support of 11, taking the tally against Palaniswami to 108. If there is some cross-voting to the tune of 10 legislators from Sasikala’s camp then it could be the end for Palaniswami. The Assembly has a total strength of 234 of which one seat is vacant. On Friday, the Chief Minister’s support base suffered erosion by one legislator. AIADMK legislator representing Mylapore constituency and former Director General of Police (DGP) R. Nataraj said he would vote against Palaniswami. Following Nataraj’s about-turn at the last minute, Palaniswami’s support base is down to 124 legislators. Meanwhile, a week after he was sacked from the AIADMK, former party Presidium Chairman E. Madhusudanan on Friday in turn “dismissed” General Secretary VK Sasikala, Chief Minister Palaniswami Deputy General Secretary TTV Dinakaran, Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha M.Thambidurai, A. Navaneethakrishnan, Thangamani, N.Dalavai Sundaram, Valarmathi, R.B. Udhayakumar, C.Ve. Shanmugam and S. Venkatesh — from the party’s primary membership. The vote of confidence is being held following a split in the AIADMK party after Panneerselvam revolted against General Secretary VK Sasikala charging her of forcing him to quit. Sasikala is now in a jail in Bengaluru after being convicted in a corruption case. On Thursday, Palaniswami was sworn in as Chief Minister and 30 ministers also took oath. Majority of legislators belonging to Sasikala camp are housed in a beach resort around 90 km from here and Panneerselvam hopes to get some votes from those legislators. After holding hectic discussions at Panneerselvam’s residence on Friday morning, a small group of AIADMK leaders met the Speaker in the Secretariat and demanded secret ballot. Speaking to reporters, S. Semmalai, part of the Panneerselvam camp, said they have urged the Speaker for a secret ballot to decide on the motion of confidence. “Panneerselvam and the legislators supporting him should openly vote against the motion of confidence and to build on the credibility in the people’s mind space,” KC Palaniswamy, a former MP of AIADMK, told IANS on Friday. On the other hand if secret ballot on the confidence motion is allowed and a whip is issued the issue before the Panneerselavam camp is whether to abide by the whip or disobey. “In case if they disobey, whether they could be disqualified as legislators under the anti-defection law is a point to ponder,” an AIADMK leader said. “The party whip has to take orders from the leader before issuing any whip on the way in which legislators are to vote. In AIADMK’s case the appointment of Sasikala as General Secretary is under dispute and also the appointments made by her. So that question would have to be decided before any legislator can be disqualified,” Palaniswamy said. Sasikala had recently dismissed Panneerselvam and former Minister K. Pandiarajan from the primary membership of the party and both are outside the purview of the anti-defection law. DMK General Secretary K. Anbazhagan has predicted the government will not survive. On Thursday, MPs belonging to the Panneerselvam camp had met Election Commission officials and petitioned to disqualify Sasikala’s appointment as General Secretary.
AIADMK crisis LIVE: Senior leader TTV Dinakaran arrives at Bengaluru jail to meet VK Sasikala
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami is all set to seek a vote of confidence on Saturday in the state assembly — that is likely to see some tight-rope walk, with the rival AIADMK faction led by O. Panneerselvam joined by opposition parties to vote against the government.
 "AIADMK crisis LIVE: Senior leader TTV Dinakaran arrives at Bengaluru jail to meet VK Sasikala")
‘MLAs complained about being caged’
Advocate K Balu said that AIADMK MLAs were kept at Golden Bay resort for 11 days and that many had filed a complaint about being caged.
Have proof that AIADMK MLAs were kept at Golden Bay resort for 11 days& also that many filed complaint about being caged: Advocate K. Balu pic.twitter.com/auese3hvGi
— ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2017
MK Stalin-led DMK’s hunger strike protest over ruckus that took place in Tamil Nadu Assembly underway
Trichy (Tamil Nadu): MK Stalin led DMK's hunger strike protest over ruckus that took place in Tamil Nadu Assembly underway. pic.twitter.com/ZmadjO07Vb
— ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2017
No Confidence Motion against P Dhanapal
On Tuesday, MK Stalin had said that the DMK would move a no confidence motion against P Dhanapal. This response came after P Dhanapal claimed that he was specifically targetted by the DMK for hailing for a particular community.
“When we see that the Speaker is deliberately harping on his community to maligns us, it is very regrettable. It is a matter of shame, according to us, for Tamil Nadu,” Stalin had said.
with inputs from PTI
Massive security arrangements
Massive security arrangements have been put in place across Tamil Nadu to prevent untoward incidents during the protests.
Trichy (Tamil Nadu): DMK begins its hunger strike protest over ruckus that took place in Tamil Nadu Assembly. MK Stalin also present pic.twitter.com/PKseoSNmJ5
— ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2017
DMK cadre protests
The DMK cadre observed hunger strike in all district offices across Tamil Nadu protesting eviction of DMK MLAs from the state Assembly on Saturday, 18 February.
Working president of the party, MK Stalin, is participating in the strike from Trichy.
Panrutti Ramachandran reacts
Panrutti Ramachandran said that there is no secret ballot in the Parliament or Assembly, it is used only during elections. The reason it is not used in the Parliament and Assembly is to prevent defection.
There is no secret ballot in parliament and assembly, only during elections it is followed: Panrutti Ramachandran, Senior AIADMK leader pic.twitter.com/4xUQfZYXVR
— ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2017
Madras High Court adjourns case
The DMK petition challenging Tamil Nadu chief minister’s trust vote win, Madras High Court adjourns case till Monday asking petitioners to submit video of ruckus in Tamil Nadu Assembly.
Palaniswami’s bid to woo the public?
Earlier in the day, Palaniswami ‘did a J Jayalalithaa’ by deciding to close down 500 more Tasmac liquor shops just like his leader had done when she returned to power in May 2016.Among his other decisions was to announce a housing scheme to build 5,000 independent homes for fisherfolk, implementation of an election promise to give working women a 50 percent subsidy to buy a vehicle and an in emolument for pregnant women from Rs 12,000 to Rs 18,000, which will benefit six lakh women.
Read the full analysis here .
AIADMK leader TTV Dinakaran reaches Bengaluru Jail
AIADMK Deputy General Secretary TTV Dinakaran has reached the Bengaluru Central Jail and will be meeting VK Sasikala, who has been jailed in the disproportionate assets case for four years, reports NDTV.
Actress-turned politician Vijayashanthi comes in support of E Palaniswami
Actress-turned politician Vijayshanti comes out in support of E Palaniswami
Venkaiah Naidu reacts to developments in Tamil Nadu
What happened in Tamil Nadu assembly yesterday was disgrace to democracy: Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu (file pic) pic.twitter.com/lHBH7Cz91B
— ANI (@ANI) February 19, 2017
All concerned should really introspect and see that such things are not allowed to happen in future:Union Min Venkaiah Naidu #TamilNadu
— ANI (@ANI) February 19, 2017
Stalin says he will meet President Pranab Mukherjee to highlight the ongoing crisis
I will participate in Tiruchi for the hunger strike on Feb 22: MK Stalin, DMK pic.twitter.com/FYjRw5xIus
— ANI (@ANI) February 19, 2017
We're trying to meet President Pranab Mukherjee in Delhi on this regard; Have sought time to highlight the Assembly situation: MK Stalin,DMK pic.twitter.com/734eybwnwi
— ANI (@ANI) February 19, 2017
DMK submits memorandum to governor
DMK leaders met with the governor on Sunday and submitted a memorandum on Saturday’s floor test. Speaking to media, DMK Rajya Sabha MP T Siva said, “We’ve submitted a memorandum on the issue to TN Governor; He has promised to look into the matter. Sans participation of Opposition in Assembly, the trust vote moved by CM was passed; It’s illegal.”
O Panneerselvam reaches Raj Bhavan
Chennai: #OPanneerselvam reached Raj Bhavan to meet TN Governor Ch. Vidyasagar Rao. pic.twitter.com/jyjNjs8M35
— ANI (@ANI) February 19, 2017
Edappadi Palaniswami meets Governor Rao
Earlier in the day, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami met Governor Vidyasagar Rao. According to media reports, AIADMK Deputy General Secreatry TTV Dinakaran too accompanied Palaniswami.
Chennai: TN Chief Minister Edappadi Palanisami reaches Raj Bhavan to meet Governor Ch. Vidyasagar Rao. pic.twitter.com/AL3q4cHW3j
— ANI (@ANI) February 19, 2017
DMK to hold state-wide protests on 22 February
DMK announces hunger strike on Feb 22 in all district offices of the party in Tamil Nadu pic.twitter.com/VifHbSc4YJ
— IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) February 19, 2017
FIR filed against MK Stalin, other DMK leaders following Tamil Nadu Assembly ruckus
An FIR has been filed against DMK working president MK Stalin, 63 party MLAs, 3 MPs and cadres for holding a protest at Marina beach against the alleged attack on him and his MLAs during the trust vote in the Assembly.
With inputs from PTI
Tamil Nadu: DMK workers protest in Coimbatore over alleged mistreatment meted out to #MKStalin in Assembly; later detained by Police pic.twitter.com/E1RKmzFqUt
— ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2017
Stalin, other DMK MLAs released from Mylapore Police Station
DMK legislators, including its leader MK Stalin have been released after a brief detention, according to India Today TV. He has written to the governor urging his intervention after E Palaniswami won, what he called an ‘undemocratically executed’ trust vote.
Request TN Guv to restore democratic values&order Assembly postponement fr conducting secret voting on Confidence Motion-MK Stalin in letter pic.twitter.com/rCUyKapQmN
— ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2017
In the Sasikala vs OPS battle, Stalin could be the clear winner
“Then there was the sight of Stalin, the leader of the Opposition, walking out of the Assembly with his shirt buttons open, claiming it was torn by political rivals. It was the DMK leader’s political 56-inch chest moment, signifying his party was ready for the political battle… The DMK calculated that even if it indulged in what would be deemed to be unparliamentary behaviour, the public mood is so anti-Sasikala that it would forgive Saturday’s misdemeanour. Stalin would hope to build on this to start a public movement against the Palaniswami’s freshly minted government.”
**Read full analysis here**E Palaniswami wins trust vote in Tamil Nadu Assembly, but democracy takes a beating
“Democracy formally retired hurt in the land of Kolaveri on Saturday. The entire Opposition of the DMK, Congress and the IUML was evicted to allow Edappadi K Palaniswami to seek a trust vote, which he won 122-11. In the process, farce earned a synonym.”
Read full analysis hereEdappadi Palaniswami’s in-laws linked with infamous Jayachandra money laundering case?
The newly appointed Tamil Nadu CM may be basking in the glory of his recent victory in the trust vote. But E Palaniswami will have to face some tough questions over not just his links with river sand mining baron Shekhar Reddy but also those of his in-laws with another Bengaluru-based racketeer
**Read the full analysis here**Images of MK Stalin, DMK legislators getting arrested
@arivalayam leader @mkstalin being arrested in #marinabeach for protest against today's floor test by #edapaddipalaniswami in #TNAssembly pic.twitter.com/h5LVoZrSml
— T E Raja Simhan (@terajasimhan) February 18, 2017
Earlier visuals of DMK legislators protesting at Marina beach
Earlier visuals of DMK's protest at Chennai's Marina Beach. DMK Working President MK Stalin & other party leaders still in Police detention. pic.twitter.com/5ZALGvo3vk
— ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2017
Actor Gautami rallies behind Panneerselvam
Popular Tamil actress Gautami threw weight behind O Panneerselvam as she condemned the E Palaniswami camp. The actor said that the people’s will and democracy cannot be manipulated with a number game and tweeted her stand with the #OPSforCM.
Democracy can't be manipulated by "Number Games" It's the VOICE OF the PEOPLE. BY the PEOPLE. FOR the PEOPLE #SaveDemocracy #OPSForCM
— Gautami Tadimalla (@gautamitads) February 16, 2017
Protesters burn Sasikala effigy at Marina Beach
After DMK MLAs and its leader MK Stalin were detained, the party’s supporters continued their protest at the Marina beach amid heavy police deployment. According to CNN-News 18, the protesters are raising anti-AIADMK slogans and burnt Sasikala’s effigy.
Our war will continue: O Panneerselvam
O Panneerselvam refuses to get bogged down by the rival camp’s victory in the trust vote. According to India Today TV, OPS termed the way the Vote of Confidence was conducted as “undemocratic”. He said he will not rest until he reinstates a government that will follow the footsteps of Jayalalithaa.
This is not what people voted for: Actor Arvind Swami
Actor Arvind Swami took to twitter to react to the outcome of the trust vote that reinstated E Palaniswami’s claim to the Tamil Nadu throne. The actor said that this is not the people’s mandate and reelection is the only solution left.
In my opinion, The only solution that is acceptable under the circumstances is a re- election. This is not the people's mandate.
— arvind swami (@thearvindswami) February 18, 2017
Kamal Haasan urges people to not stay silent
The veteran actor took to twitter after Sasikala camp won the trust vote and urged the people of Tamil Nadu to make their voices heard. He asked the people to “welcome their MLAs with the respect they deserve.” But beyond the sarcastic quip, he asked the people to write to the governor and not be afraid on voicing out their opinion on the trust vote. He also advised people to keep the language of their e-mails clean and decent.
Rajbhavantamilnadu@gmail.com
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) February 18, 2017
ங்கற விலாசத்துக்கு நம் மன உளைச்சலை மின் அஞ்சலா
அனுப்புங்க. மரியாதையா பேசணும் அது அசம்பளியில்ல Governor வீடு
With the Opposition thrown out, only 11 nay sayers in Tamil Nadu trust vote
All the 122 AIADMK MLAs who participated in the voting sided with Palaniswami. And with the DMK MLA’s marshalled out of the Assembly ahead of the vote, a meager 11 supporters of O Panneerselvam were the only nay sayers as EPS sailed through the trust vote.
EPS hits out at OPS, says rival faction worked against Amma
A booming E Palaniswami after securing a win in the trust vote, hit out at the Panneerselvam camp. He said that the rival camp was working against Amma’s wishes, while terming his victory a win for “real Amma backers”
MK Stalin and DMK MLAs detained at Marina beach during protests
Chennai Police detained MK Stalin and several other DMK MLAs for carrying out a protest at the Marina beach against the speaker’s decision to evict the party’s MLA ahead of the trust vote.
Stalin was sitting on a hunger strike at the Marina beach, alleging that they were forcefully evicted from the Assembly.
After winning trust vote, EPS breaks down at Jaya memorial
In the chaos enfolding the Tamil Nadu politics, Jayalalithaa’s memorial has emerged as the nerve centre of the state’s realpolitik. It seems to have become the go-to spot for all the AIADMK politicians claiming to be the ’true’ Amma loyalist.
The newly sworn-in Chief Minister E Palaniswami kept up the tradition adopted of late, and visited the Jaya memorial, where he reportedly broke down after finally securing a win.
Meanwhile… Kamal Haasan reacts to the trust vote drama with a quip
There you go. Seems like we have another CM. Jai de-mockcrazy
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) February 18, 2017
CM E Palaniswamy, AIADMK Ministers and MLAs pay tribute at Jayalalithaa Memorial at Marina Beach
Chennai: TN CM E Palaniswamy, AIADMK Ministers and MLAs pay tribute at #Jayalalithaa memorial at Marina Beach pic.twitter.com/OHXsWJgtx1
— ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2017
MK Stalin will hold a protest at Chennai’s Marina Beach
DMK working president MK Stalin will hold a protest at Chennai’s Marina Beach.
Stalin meets Governor of Tamil Nadu
DMK working president MK Stalin met Governor C Vidyasagar Rao after the floor test in Tamil Nadu Assembly, which led to E Palaniswami’s win.
Chennai: DMK Working President MK Stalin met Governor C.Vidyasagar Rao after #floortest in Tamil Nadu Assembly pic.twitter.com/XH00xT6FOv
— ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2017
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