Pandemonium in Assembly

By Our Staff Reporter

PONDICHERRY, SEPT. 8. Members of the ruling Congress and the Opposition locked horns during the zero hour today plunging the House into a pandemonium.

As soon as the Independent member from Yanam, Mr. Malladi Krishna Rao, levelled charges against the Chief Minister on the issue relating to auction of arrack shops in the region, the Congress members, Mr. V. Vaithilingam (former Chief Minister), Mr. R. Kamalakannan, Mr. E. Valsaraj and Mr. A.V. Sridharan revolted against Mr. Rao's ``unwholesome and unjustified'' comments against him.

Demanding an apology from Mr. Rao, in addition to withdrawing his charges, the members wanted the Speaker, Mr. M.D.R. Ramachandran, to expunge Mr. Rao's criticisms against the Chief Minister. The Speaker conceded their plea and ordered expunction of the remarks. The Speaker also said that Mr. Rao should present in writing his allegations as that would enable him to order an enquiry.

However, the Independent member said if an enquiry was ordered, he would present his complaints in writing.

At one stage, the Chief Minister rose to urge the Chair that Mr. Rao's references should be placed before the Privilege Committee.

The leader of the Opposition, Mr. R.V. Janakiraman (DMK), said that as the Speaker had expunged the remarks, there could be no more representation in any other manner to the Chair.

With the Speaker's directive to Mr. Rao to present a written complaint, the wrangling came to an end.

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Section  : Southern States
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