Do you know why 122 MLAs supported Palanisamy?

 

There are speculations that the MLAs were kept inside the resort forcibly. Some of the MLAs who were herded into three buses escaped from the clutches of Sasikala and her supports. SP Shanmuganathan, Srivaikundam MLA escaped just before boarding the bus and said that MLAs were being taken away without any notice.

 

MLAs Saravanan from Madurai South stayed some days in the resort and escaped in disguise by scaling the wall of the resort. He had complained that the MLAs were kidnapped and had stated that they were being humiliated inside the resort.

 

So, if this is true, why did the 122 MLAs vote for Palanisamy, who was leading them in the Golden Bay Resort. Many speculations are doing rounds on the reasons behind the surprising development.

 

1)    Threatened

 

Going by the accounts of the MLAs who escaped from the Golden Bay resort, it looks like the legislators are threatened. Panneerselvam’s statement that there are four goondas behind one MLA supports this theory.

 

2)    Scared of the wrath of Mannargudi Mafia?

Mannargudi mafia’s involvement in the government has become evident with the appointment of TTV Dinakaran as the deputy general secretary of AIADMK. The mafia is well known for controlling every business much beyond Mannargudi. In fact, Jayalalithaa threw out everyone related to the Mannargudi family who had grown as the mafia out of Poes Garden, including Dinakaran, as she had found they were misusing her name to make money.

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3)    Desire to be in power

Sasikala’s proxy Palanisamy looked confident about victory. It looks like the MLAs were made to sign a contract or some paper giving their support. As the MLAs in the resort were in majority, they might have seen a bright future (Ministry) in going with the majority. Thus desire to be on the winning side might have made them stick on to the larger group led by Palanisamy.

 

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4)    Secret ballot not allowed

The Governor asked Palanisamy to prove his majority but did not opt for a secret ballot. When it is open support, the MLAs (if threatened or taken money) might have been scared to vote for anyone else as they would be noted. Thus, if secret ballot would have been the mandate, there would have been chances of a surprising result.

 

 

5)    Not allowed to speak

The MLAs who were taken inside the resort were not allowed to address media. Only two or three leaders came out and answered the questions of the media when allegations of keeping the MLAs inside with force grew. But surprisingly, even after forming the government (before winning the floor test), the MLAs were taken back to the resort after swearing in of 31 ministers.