CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Assembly witnessed uproarious scenes on Tuesday during the zero hour when deputy leader of the opposition All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) O. Paneerselvam pleaded with the Chair to discuss the Mullaperiyar dam issue adjourning other business.

Tension

Raising the issue, Mr. Paneerselvam said tension was building up in the districts bordering Kerala as people were concerned about the "complacency" of the Government on the issue.

He also asked the Chief Minister to give details of the talks held in New Delhi on November 29.

Refusing permission for raising the issue, the Speaker said Mr. Paneerselvam's plea was under his consideration.

Even as the Speaker asked leader of the Congress Legislature Party D. Sudarsanam to speak, the AIADMK members were on their feet.

Raising slogans, they insisted that Mr. Paneerselvam should be allowed to give his views on the Mullaperiyar issue.

Asking the AIADMK Members to resume their seats, the Speaker said he would have to take action against them if they failed to uphold the traditions of the House.

`No politicising'

Cautioning against attempts to politicise the Mullaperiyar issue, Mr. Sudarsanam said even while asserting the rights of the State, a congenial atmosphere should be ensured to find an amicable solution.

Minister's plea

Intervening, Minister for Electricity Arcot N. Veerasamy said no party should pose a hindrance to the process of reaching an amicable solution.

Leader of the Pattali Makkal Katchi G.K. Mani said all the parties should remain united on the issue.

CPI(M) stand `clear'

Leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) C. Govindasamy said his party had taken a clear stand that the Supreme Court order in the case should be implemented.

To achieve this, the State Government should hold talks with the Kerala Government. Nothing should be done to harm the cordial relations of the people of the two States, he added. Leader of the Communist Party of India V. Sivapunniam supported the DMK Government's strategy on the issue.

N. Ramakrishnan (Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) said the Kerala Government's apprehensions about the strength of the dam were unfounded.

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