CHENNAI: The Assembly witnessed turmoil on Saturday with issues relating to the proposal to create a satellite town in Kancheepuram district dominating proceedings for the third consecutive day.

Members of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam staged a walkout. Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi made it clear that his Government would not be rigid on the issue as leaders of the Pattali Makkal Katchi had asked him to reconsider the proposal. He cautioned against attempts to use the PMK's friendly request as a weapon against the Government.

Trouble began shortly after AIADMK deputy leader O. Paneerselvam raised the issue during zero hour. He said the party and its general secretary J. Jayalalithaa would oppose the move.

The proposal to acquire 30,000 acres would affect the livelihood of the locals, mostly people belonging to the Backward Classes and Dalits, who were using the wastelands for grazing cattle, he said.

Mr. Karunanidhi began his response by reading out parts of a statement issued by Ms. Jayalalithaa, targeting him and his family members. This drew strong protests from the AIADMK Members. The ruling party Members were also on their feet.

The AIADMK Members staged a walkout protesting against "denial" of opportunity to express their views.

The Speaker flayed the AIADMK MLAs for "assaulting" a cameraman of the Information and Public Relations Department. A few minutes later, the MLAs returned to the House.

Even as the Congress, the PMK, the Communist Party of India and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) criticised Ms. Jayalalithaa's statement, AIADMK Whip K.A. Sengottaiyan said views expressed by leaders outside the Assembly should not be debated.

Mr. Paneerselvam said they were only objecting to certain comments made by the Chief Minister. Leader of the House K. Anbazhgan said the House had discussed the remarks of Ms. Jayalalithaa as she was the Leader of the Opposition.

After staying in the House for around 40 minutes, the AIADMK Members again staged a walkout, saying their request to expunge the Chief Minister's remark was not considered.

The MDMK Members joined them.

Minister for Electricity Arcot N. Veerasamy said some AIADMK Members, after staging the walkout, had incorrectly stated that disparaging remarks were made against women.

The Speaker referred the issue to the Privileges Committee under Rule 226 of the Tamil Nadu Assembly Rules.

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