Chennai: Lalgudi AIADMK MLA Leema Rose met Revenue Minister Sengottaiyan at the Secretariat on Monday, triggering fresh speculation within the AIADMK.
The meeting comes amid political churn after the recent Assembly election, in which the ruling party formed the government with support from parties that won as part of the DMK-led alliance. During the confidence vote, some AIADMK MLAs who voted in favour of the government against party instructions later resigned and joined the ruling party.
So far, six AIADMK MLAs, including three former ministers, have resigned and switched sides. With the Trichy East seat also falling vacant following Chief Minister Vijay’s resignation, by-elections are expected in seven constituencies.
Opposition parties have alleged horse-trading over the defections, while AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami has sharply criticised the Chief Minister for attempting to lure MLAs. In this backdrop, the ruling side is said to be planning for by-elections in as many as 13 seats to strengthen its numbers.
According to sources, Leema Rose went to the Secretariat and met Sengottaiyan in his office, with the discussion lasting over 10 minutes. Neither side disclosed the reason for the meeting. Sengottaiyan, a former AIADMK leader who moved to the ruling party ahead of the election and later became a minister, has been at the centre of the latest buzz following the interaction.
