Party Working President and Opposition Leader M K Stalin apprehended that the 15-day time given to Palaniswami to seek the vote of confidence in the Tamil Nadu Assembly could lead to large-scale "horse-trading".
Speaking to reporters here, Stalin recalled that his party had repeatedly urged Governor Ch Vidyasgar Rao to take steps to ensure a government was in place and that he had made a representation with Rao himself.
"Now with a 15-day window being given, certainly there are chances of big time horse trading happening for the purpose of proving strength in the Assembly," he said.
Stalin alleged that horse trading was taking place even now in both the Palaniswami and Panneerselvam camps.
"Therefore, the Governor should monitor the situation and take all steps to protect democracy," he added.