Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Extends Olive Branch, Says Dhinakaran Camp MLAs Welcome To Return To AIADMK Fold

Tamil Nadu (TN) Chief Minister K Palanisamy has said that disqualified MLAs, who joined the T T V Dhinakaran camp, are welcome to return to the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).

However, he indicated that he was not aware of any such plans, when reporters at Chennai sought his comments over claims that eight disqualified legislators led by Thanga Tamilselvan were likely to come back to the AIADMK fold. He said, “Only you are saying that,” he said, referring to the reporters. “If they join it is laudable.”

Palanisamy’s remarks come days after senior minister D Jayakumar said it was up to the party to admit the disqualified MLAs. He had said there was no question of Dhinkaran and his aides being taken back into the party fold.

He also said there can be no bypolls to the constituencies previously represented by the disqualified MLAs as the matter was before the court.

Thanga Tamilselvan has, however, ruled out joining the AIADMK. He said he would withdraw his petition in the Madras High Court challenging his disqualification by Assembly Speaker P Dhanapal, adding, consultations will soon be held with the 17 other disqualified MLAs.

Thanga Tamilselvan is one of the 18 MLAs who were disqualified last year following their revolt against the Chief Minister.