Tamil Nadu’s Assembly Speaker accepts the resignation of AIADMK MLA Esakki Subaya, the fourth such resignation from the party in a short span of time, according to reports from The Hindu and Times of India. The acceptance further reduces AIADMK’s strength in the House and deepens the internal political crisis within the opposition party.
Times of India reports that the resignation acceptance follows other recent exits by AIADMK legislators over two days. It also describes ongoing allegations of “horse-trading,” with claims that defectors are moving to the ruling party. AIADMK leaders are reported to be pressing for the resignations to be scrutinized. The party, or factions within it, has indicated it may pursue legal action if the resignations are not examined.
The Hindu adds that AIADMK legislators from the faction led by party general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami meet the Speaker and submit a petition seeking withdrawal of the Speaker’s acceptance of resignations submitted by three MLAs. Across the accounts, the episode is presented as part of a wider party dispute and leadership conflict affecting legislative strength in the current session.
