Insists that Assembly proceedings were held as per law
Two months after a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition was moved by Leader of the Opposition M.K. Stalin, assailing the manner in which voting was conducted on the Motion of Confidence moved by Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami in the Legislative Assembly on February 18, the latter has filed a counter affidavit, denying any illegality.
According to Mr. Palaniswami, the Assembly proceedings on February 18 were held in accordance with the law and do not provide scope to maintain the PIL.
As to the allegation regarding the instructions issued by the Government Chief Whip to all AIADMK MLAs, dated February 17, Mr. Palaniswami said, “Such directions of the Whip are given an elevated status under the Constitution, wherein it is stated that any member of a political party who votes against or abstains from voting, contrary to any such direction, may be disqualified. It is only in adherence to such a Constitutional mandate that the instructions dated February 17 were issued.”
Such action cannot be construed to be a threat issued to the MLAs.
