"Introduced only to suppress opposition": Tamil Nadu Minister S Regupathy on Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill

Pudukkottai (Tamil Nadu) [India], August 23 (ANI): Tamil Nadu Minister for Natural Resources, Courts, Prisons and Prevention of Corruption, S Regupathy, sharply criticised the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill that proposes automatic disqualification of elected representatives if they spend 30 days in prison.
Speaking to reporters at the Pudukkottai District Collectorate after attending a Tamil Nadu Sanitation Workers Welfare Board event, Regupathy alleged that such legislative moves are intended to "suppress opposition parties" in states not ruled by the central party.
Regupathy said, "Such laws are being introduced only to suppress opposition parties in states ruled by them and to indirectly snatch away power. However, these moves will be checked through the judiciary and Parliament."
Regupathy dismissed the recent statement of AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami in which the latter claimed that the "only party with the power to defeat the DMK is AIADMK."
"There may be several parties contesting in Tamil Nadu, but none with the strength to oppose the DMK. Still, many opposition groups exist. If Edappadi Palaniswami says only he can eliminate the DMK, let him keep saying so. But that statement will neither resonate in the elections nor among the people. No matter how many triangular or multi-cornered contests there may be, the DMK alliance will secure an easy victor," the Tamil Nadu Minister said.
Regupathy also referenced TVK President Vijay's recent statements and called the actor-turned-politician's party a C Team, brushing aside further questions.
"Let Vijay himself find out and say where the AIADMK nurtured by MGR stands today. If Vijay, the TVK President, criticizes the BJP, that is only an understanding between them. Whether it is BRO or Uncle, my stand is No comments. We don't even consider Edappadi Palaniswami as the opposition in the upcoming elections. Whichever alliance he may join, the DMK alliance remains an unshakable force," he said.
The reaction comes after, TVK chief and actor Vijay addressed a conference for party workers in Madurai.
During his address, the TVK president accused the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) of maintaining a "secret alliance" with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and questioned Chief Minister MK Stalin over the law and order situation in the state.
"Uncle Stalin, if you have a conscience, please answer the questions we are asking. In the government you are running, is there honesty? Is it free from corruption? Is law and order being maintained properly? Are women and the general public safe? Tell us, my dear uncle, tell us," Vijay said.
"DMK government is secretly maintaining ties with the BJP. When DMK is in the opposition, they shout 'Go back Modi!' but once they are in power, (they) welcome Modi. DMK has a secret alliance with the BJP. Does drama as if they are opposing the BJP," he added.
The Election Commission has announced that polling for the Vice Presidential election will take place on September 9, with counting of votes scheduled for the same day.
The Vice Presidential post fell vacant after Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament on July 21, citing health reasons. (ANI)