Chennai: Over 120 lawmakers of the ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu have not been seen since Wednesday, closely guarded by VK Sasikala lest they defect to O Panneerselvam, the man who has challenged her claim to the Chief Minister's post. The police in Chennai have been asked by the Madras High Court to submit a report on the lawmakers, reports news agency ANI. Chennai police chief S George met with Governor C Vidyasagar Rao this morning amid complaints by Mr Panneerselvam's supporters that the lawmakers are being held "hostage".
On Wednesday, the lawmakers were taken in luxury buses to hotels and resorts where they were to stay until they are paraded before the Governor for a show of strength. One of the lawmakers left a bus for a "bathroom break" and didn't return; SP Shanmuganathan was later seen at Mr Panneerselvam's house. Another lawmaker's husband reported her missing in a court petition.
Attempts by the media and people to contact the "missing" lawmakers have also failed so far. A list of names and phone numbers has been widely shared on Twitter as part of a "Call Your MLA" campaign that urges people to dial lawmakers and express their opinion about who should be chief minister. The campaign has been initiated and powered by supporters of Mr Panneerselvam, who has growing online support even though he lacks the numbers.
Mr Panneerselvam has asked for five days to prove that he has the support of his party lawmakers.
The high court had yesterday dismissed petitions alleging "illegal detention" of lawmakers after the government's lawyers said the legislators are "free to move around." To bolster that claim, Ms Sasikala's aides said some of the legislators could be found at a local hostel used by out-of-town lawmakers; a quick visit there revealed none.
On Wednesday, the lawmakers were taken in luxury buses to hotels and resorts where they were to stay until they are paraded before the Governor for a show of strength. One of the lawmakers left a bus for a "bathroom break" and didn't return; SP Shanmuganathan was later seen at Mr Panneerselvam's house. Another lawmaker's husband reported her missing in a court petition.
Attempts by the media and people to contact the "missing" lawmakers have also failed so far. A list of names and phone numbers has been widely shared on Twitter as part of a "Call Your MLA" campaign that urges people to dial lawmakers and express their opinion about who should be chief minister. The campaign has been initiated and powered by supporters of Mr Panneerselvam, who has growing online support even though he lacks the numbers.
Advertisement
Mr Panneerselvam has asked for five days to prove that he has the support of his party lawmakers.
Advertisement
The high court had yesterday dismissed petitions alleging "illegal detention" of lawmakers after the government's lawyers said the legislators are "free to move around." To bolster that claim, Ms Sasikala's aides said some of the legislators could be found at a local hostel used by out-of-town lawmakers; a quick visit there revealed none.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
"True Social Service": Internet Reacts To "Wear Helmet" Note On Google Maps Udhayanidhi Stalin Plays Down Reports Of Becoming Deputy CM Says, "All Ministers In Govt Are Deputy CM's" Mayawati Aide, Hacked To Death, Cannot Be Buried In BSP Office: Court "Call Security": Chief Justice Blasts Lawyer, He Quotes Bible In Reply Budget 2024: Big Push For Jobs, New Tax Regime Benefits, Reward For Allies Budget 2024 LIVE: Nirmala Sitharaman's Mega Jobs, Tax Announcements In Union Budget Trump Says Kamala Harris "Easier" Election Opponent Than Biden US President Biden Returns To White House After Testing COVID Negative "Every State Benefits...": Minister On "Discriminatory" Budget Charge Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.