'Will take legal means, mobilise people to topple AIADMK govt'

Thanjavur (TN): DMK leader M K Stalin on Friday indicated adopting legal means and mobilising people to "topple" the K Palaniswami-led AIADMK government if Tamil Nadu Governor Vidyasagar Rao did not order for a floor test within a specified time-frame.

DMK and its allies–Congress and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) have sought an appointment with Rao on September 10, 2017 to apprise him of the "prevailing issues" during the proposed meeting, Stalin, DMK's Working President, said. Referring to the revolt of the 19 AIADMK MLAs owing allegiance to party's sidelined deputy chief T T V Dhinakaran against Palaniswami, he said the government was now short of the required majority of 117 MLAs in the 234-member House.

Palaniswami now had the support of only 109 MLAs, he said, citing a meeting of AIADMK legislators convened by the Chief Minister early this week.

Speaking at a marriage function here, Stalin, also the Leader of the Opposition, indicated he himself could lead the delegation this time.

"When the Leader of Opposition seeks (appointment) it has to be given. In the event of it being given, we are going to apprise (Rao) of the prevailing issues and urge him to convene the Assembly and give an opportunity to prove (the Chief Minister's) majority," he said.

"While making that plea, we are also going to fix a time frame. If the Governor doesn't take steps within that time, in the next step as part of toppling this government... not just (by adopting) legal means but by also mobilising people," he said.

"Our struggle will not relent till this government is brought down," he added.

Stalin, whose party has a strength of 89 members in the 234-member house, claimed his efforts were not aimed at taking DMK to power nor was there any intention of enjoying posts.