The Assembly witnessed acrimonious scenes on Tuesday leading to eviction of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) members.
Trouble arose after Speaker P. Dhanapal refused them permission to speak on the suspension of their party leader Durai Murugan. They were supported by the members of the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), the main opposition party in the House.
When DMK whip R. Sakkarapani, along with members, sought to raise the issue, the Speaker ruled out discussion on a decision taken by the Committee of Privileges, citing the rules.
Mr. Durai Murugan was suspended following a report submitted by Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Committee of Privileges Pollachi V. Jayaraman. However, the DMK members insisted on a discussion. They stood up and raised their voice, prompting the Speaker to remark that the DMK members had come to the House with plans to create trouble. Leader of the House O. Panneerselvam intervened to say that discussion on any other subject was allowed.
When the DMK members moved into the well of the Assembly, the Speaker ordered their eviction. DMK member T.P.M. Mohideenkhan who tried to stage a sit-in was whisked away by the watch and ward staff.
DMDK Whip V.C. Chandirakumar who wanted the suspension to be revoked, was also told that no discussion could be allowed. His raising the issue was significant in the backdrop of the keenness evinced by several parties, including DMK, to have DMDK in their alliance for the general elections. Puthiya Thamizhagam leader Dr. K. Krishnasamy, an ally of DMK, who wanted to speak on the suspension was also not permitted.
Earlier in the day, DMK president and former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi came to the Assembly and signed the members’ attendance register.
