Four Ex-AIADMK MLAs Submit Replies to Speaker in Disqualification Case

On Wednesday, June 17, 2026, Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar confirmed that four former AIADMK MLAs, facing disqualification proceedings, have submitted their written replies within the stipulated time. The notices were issued on June 9, 2026, seeking explanations for defying the party whip during a trust vote.

The four former legislators are S. Jayakumar (Perundurai), Maragatham Kumaravel (Madurantakam), P. Sathyabama (Dharapuram), and Esakki Subaya (Ambasamudram). They voted in favour of the government led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay during the trust vote held in the Assembly on May 13, 2026, thereby violating the whip issued by their party.

The Speaker stated that he will examine the replies carefully before arriving at a decision on the disqualification matter. The four MLAs personally met the Speaker at the Secretariat on Wednesday to submit their explanations.

Notably, 21 other AIADMK MLAs who also defied the party whip and voted with the government were later condoned by the party’s general secretary, Edappadi K. Palaniswami, after they reconciled with the party. Of these condoned legislators, C. Vijayabaskar resigned from his Assembly membership on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.

Disqualification proceedings under the anti-defection law are initiated when members violate a party whip. The Speaker, as the tribunal for such matters, is expected to review the replies and determine whether the legislators have incurred disqualification. The outcome will have implications for the strength of the legislative parties in the Assembly.