The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Speaker expunges remarks by members

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Aug 25, 2006

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Speaker expunges remarks by members

Special Correspondent

Assembly witnesses heated exchanges

CHENNAI: Speaker R. Avudaiappan expunged remarks made by a Minister following heated exchanges between ruling DMK and Opposition AIADMK members in the Assembly on Thursday. He also expunged personal comment made by a former AIADMK Minister.

Trouble began when former Adi Dravida Minister C. Karuppasamy made some remarks against Chief Minister M.Karunanidhi.

Soon, the House witnessed uproarious scenes with all ruling party members, barring the Chief Minister, on their feet, shouting at Mr. Karuppasamy. The AIADMK members responded by gesticulating at the ruling party members. Many from the Pattali Makkal Katchi and the Congress supported the DMK members.

More provocation

In the melee, Health Minister K.K.S.S.R. Ramachandran, who was on his feet, made a remark that further provoked the AIADMK members. At this juncture, Agriculture Minister Veerapandi S. Arumugham asked if what Mr. Karuppasamy said was right. He wanted the member to express regret.

As shouting from both sides continued for a few minutes, Deputy Leader of the Opposition O. Paneerselvam, Deputy Speaker V.P. Duraisamy and Information Minister Parithi Ilamvazhuthi approached the Speaker and discussed ways to control the situation.

As this was on, AIADMK Whip K.A. Sengottaiyan suggested that all the remarks made by members from Mr. Karuppasamy to Mr. Ramachandran should be removed. The Speaker insisted that the member withdraw what he said. Mr. Karuppasamy claimed he was being treated in this manner because he belonged to the oppressed class.

Minister Arcot N. Veerasamy retorted that all the listed speakers for the day were from the oppressed classes and Mr. Karunanidhi had distinguished himself in protecting the weaker sections.

Karunanidhi

suggestion

To put an end to the uproarious scenes, the Chief Minister suggested removal of the portions beginning with Mr.Karuppasamy's remark till the intervention of Mr. Ramachandran. He said everyone was aware how and when the trouble began. Mr.Karunanidhi advised that it would be better to refrain from such comments in the interest of the dignity of the House. If the members desired a full debate on an issue such as this, he was prepared to face it with proof, handwritten notes and supporting documents.

The Chief Minister said he was willing to forget — for the duration of the debate — that he held the "honorary position of Chief Minister."

The Speaker expunged the remarks of Mr. Karuppusamy and Mr. Ramachandran.

CPI (M) floor leader C. Govindasamy and Congress leader D. Sudarsanam said these were issues that benefited no one. The House should not waste time talking about this and should utilise the time to discuss problems affecting the people.

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