Hours after a PMK MLA called on AIADMK supremo and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, the party tonight announced his expulsion for "violating party discipline."
"M Kalaiarasu is being expelled for acting against partymen in his constituency, for working against its growth and bringing disrepute by acting in violation of party discipline," party president G K Mani said in a statement.
Kalaiarasu, representing Anaicut constituency in the Tamil Nadu Assembly was being expelled from party with the consent of PMK founder S Ramadoss and his son Anbumani, Mani said.
The MLA, who had called on Jayalalithaa with constituency related demands today, was being removed from all posts, including primary membership, Mani added.
PMK has three MLAs in the 234-member house including Kalaiarasu.
Asked for his reaction on the PMK's action, Kalaiarasu told IANS: "I still consider Ramadoss (party founder S. Ramadoss) as my leader."
On the reasons behind meeting Jayalalithaa, he said: "I met her to thank her for setting up a Taluk office in my constituency. Till now, people had to spend money and time to visit Vellore for any certificate. I also wished her on her turning 66."
A first-time member of the assembly, Kalaiarasu said that in north India, lawmakers belonging to opposition parties do meet and mingle with members of the ruling party and also meet the chief ministers.
{{/usCountry}}A first-time member of the assembly, Kalaiarasu said that in north India, lawmakers belonging to opposition parties do meet and mingle with members of the ruling party and also meet the chief ministers.
{{/usCountry}}"Only in Tamil Nadu, meeting the chief minister is considered wrong by opposition parties," he said.
DMDK rebel legistor M. Arun Subramanian, representing the Tiruttani seat, also met Jayalalithaa Thursday.
He is the eighth lawmaker from actor-turned-politician A. Vijayakant's DMDK party to have met Jayalalithaa.
Unlike the PMK, the DMDK has not taken any action against its rebels till date.
DMDK's deputy leader in the assembly, Panruti S. Ramachandran recently resigned from the party and also from the assembly to join the ruling AIADMK.
The DMDK has 28 members in the 235-member assembly.
(with IANS inputs)