Congress MLA from Vilavancode joins BJP, may be disqualified
CHENNAI: Vilavancode Congress MLA S Vijayadharani officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the party’s national headquarters in New Delhi on Saturday, putting an end to the speculation that has been going on for almost two weeks.
The event took place in the presence of Union Minister L Murugan, BJP national secretary Arvind Menon and state in-charge Sudhakar Reddy.
The BJP formally announced his induction with a photograph, and Vijaydharani later shared his resignation letter sent to AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge.
In her letter, Vijaydharani said she was leaving the party due to personal reasons and giving up all her posts. Vijayadharani is the first sitting Congress MLA from Tamil Nadu to join the BJP. Later in the day, TNCC president K Selvaperunthagai said in a press statement that since Vijayadharani has switched his loyalty to another party, a letter has been sent to the Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker to disqualify him from the post of MLA on the basis of the anti-defection law. Has been sent.
Speaking about the possible impact of his exit, TNCC general secretary KG Rameshkumar said, “Congress cadre are distributing sweets to the people and the general public is also congratulating us. His defection will strengthen the party at the grassroots level.
Vijayadharani will know the strength of Congress on the day of counting: TNCC General Secretary
TNCC general secretary KG Rameshkumar asked Vijayadharani to contest from Vilavancode seat on BJP ticket in the upcoming assembly by-election. “They will know the strength of Congress on the day of counting of votes,” he said.
Although the BJP has managed to woo sitting MLAs and MPs from various political parties across the country, this is only the second time in Tamil Nadu that the saffron party has managed to woo a sitting MLA.
On August 4, 2020, Thousand Lights DMK MLA Ku Ka Selvam joined the BJP after dissatisfaction with the party leadership. Vijayadharani is the first sitting MLA from TN Congress to join BJP.
Activists burnt his effigy at Marthandam in Kanniyakumari. Congress Assembly floor leader and Killiyur MLA S Rajesh Kumar said the party gave Vijayadharani her recognition but she has betrayed the party. “India block will win all the seats in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry and Rahul Gandhi will become the PM,” he said.
to be disqualified
As per the Disqualification on Grounds of TN Legislative Assembly Defection Rules, 1986, a member of the House belonging to any party shall be disqualified from being a member of the House if he voluntarily gives up the membership of his party.
