Two is one too many: The Hindu Editorial on AIADMK leadership tussle

A pre-dawn courtroom order could have granted non permanent reduction to AIADMK coordinator O. Panneerselvam from being stripped of his half within the celebration’s joint management, however it’s uncertain if his isolation will be prevented for lengthy. It might solely be a matter of time earlier than the 50-year-old celebration comes below the total management of co-cordinator and Mr. Panneerselvam’s partner-turned-rival Edappadi Ok. Palaniswami. What has divided them now’s presumably that Mr. Palaniswami appears to have larger assist amongst legislators and district secretaries, and his camp has begun to really feel that Mr. Panneerselvam is having fun with disproportionate clout within the celebration’s affairs. At a Basic Council (GC) assembly on Thursday, it was anticipated that the celebration’s by-laws could be modified to abolish the present ‘twin management’ (coordinators), and restore the put up of basic secretary as the only real seat of energy. An try and get hold of a restraining order towards the assembly failed earlier than a single choose, however the Panneerselvam camp managed to get the Chief Justice’s permission to maneuver a midnight enchantment earlier than a Bench. Passing orders at round 4.30 a.m., the Bench restrained the GC from making any resolution aside from upon the 23 objects on the agenda that had the approval of each coordinators. That that they had agreed on a set of resolutions was used to make a prima facie case for an interim order towards every other resolution being made, scuttling plans for an impromptu dialogue or resolution on the management query.

A query arises over the necessity for the eleventh-hour judicial intervention. Any seemingly prejudice may at all times have been subsequently remedied if it actually went towards the celebration majority view. It’s uncertain whether or not a pacesetter can search a restraint on a majority-backed resolution by which he could be presumably aggrieved. Despite the fact that a twin management system is in place, it’s tough to contend that nothing that lacks the approval of each leaders will be determined by the celebration’s apex decision-making physique. In any case, it was this physique that abolished the final secretary’s put up in 2017 and created the posts of two coordinators. It had additionally modified the ‘unamendable’ rule that the final secretary needs to be elected by all the first members. In 2021, the celebration’s govt committee once more amended the by-laws to the impact that the first members would now elect the 2 coordinators collectively by a single vote. Mr. Panneerselvam and Mr. Palaniswami have been collectively elected in a subsequent election. One of many resolutions in the end not taken up on the GC assembly was to ratify this resolution. The impact of non-ratification on the celebration’s affairs stays to be seen, however it’s clear that Mr. Panneerselvam’s choices are restricted to both taking part in a subordinate position or placing it out on his personal.