Madras HC to hear tomorrow plea challenging floor test

20 February, Chennai

In Tamil Nadu, opposition DMK Monday moved the Madras High Court seeking to declare Saturday’s vote of confidence in the Tamil Nadu Assembly null and void.

The bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Huluvadi G Ramesh and Justice R Mahadeven posted the petition for hearing tomorrow.

Mr Palaniswami had won the trust vote 122-11 in the 234-member assembly aided by the eviction of main opposition DMK and walkout by its allies, amid stormy scenes during which mikes were uprooted, chairs toppled and sheets of papers torn.

The division vote was taken up after two adjournments following tempestuous scenes during which the opposition MLAs insisted on a secret vote, which was rejected by Speaker P Dhanapal. More from our correspondent:

Political battle in Tamil Nadu takes new dimensions with the opposition DMK knocking the doors of the court against the recent trust vote. The opposition are also going ahead with their plans to meet the public in the matter even as the DMK has organized a day of fast on Wednesday.

The party leader MK Stalin has said secret ballot would have defeated the confidence motion.

He asked what actions have been taken to seek presidential nod for the bill passed in the House seeking exemption from NEET and constituting the Cauvery Management Board. Meanwhile, chief minister Palaniswamy started his day with populist announcements and promises of phasing out the liquor shops.