Besides Thirunavukkarasar, former Rajya Sabha member EMS Natchiappan is learnt to have taken the same line. Thirunavukkarasar told TOI, “The governor should fulfil his constitutional duty, which means inviting the person whom the legislature party has elected as its leader. Congress is not bothered about individuals.”
However, P Chidambaram, EVKS Elangovan and others are against showing any softness for Sasikala. Chidambaram has even gone to the extent of saying that the governor is within his rights to delay the swearing-in.
A view in Congress is that Sasikala may have the backing of a majority of MLAs but the AIADMK rank and file favours Panneerselvam. Given the uncertainty, Congress is likely to stay aloof and watch the situation unfold.
A Congress office-bearer said Rahul told party leaders to wait for the governor’s decision before taking a stand.
