DMK ally creates flutter in TN Assembly, CM Stalin peeved

Chennai: A legislator from the ruling DMK alliance created a flutter in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Thursday by standing before the treasury benches and addressing ministers in singular during a discussion on the issue of caste census. Chief Minister M K Stalin, who was peeved at the behaviour of T Velmurugan of Tamilaga Vazhvurimai Kazhagam, appealed to Speaker M Appavu to act against the legislator but the presiding officer let off the MLA with a “stern warning.”

Velmurugan, who won from Panruti assembly constituency on a DMK ticket, has been on the radar of the ministers for his outspoken nature, which includes criticism of the ruling DMK at times. He had in the past openly accused ministers of “not respecting” legislators like him and not even responding to queries related to his constituency. 

During a discussion on the caste census on Thursday, which was being moderated by deputy speaker K Pichandi, Velmurugan wanted to put forth his point of view, but he was not allowed. At one point, he came to the other side of the House and began shouting at ministers, who shouted back at him, even as Stalin was present in the Assembly. 

Velmurugan later claimed it was Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) minister P K Sekarbabu who provoked him by calling him singular. As commotion prevailed in the House, Speaker Appavu had replaced his deputy in the chair, but Velmurugan didn’t relent. 

Stalin condemned Velmurugan’s action and said he didn’t expect such behaviour from the legislator, who is part of the DMK alliance. “He is someone who speaks his mind and I have praised him myself. But his behaviour today cannot be accepted. I recommend that the Speaker act against him,” the CM added. 

However, Speaker Appavu let him off by issuing a stern warning to Velmurugan asking him not to repeat such behaviour in the future.