Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on Friday assured the Opposition in the Assembly that her party would respect its views do everything to nurture and strengthen parliamentary democracy.
Citing the quotation of former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai, Ms. Jayalalithaa gave this assurance after the election of D. Jayakumar and P. Dhanapal as the 16th Speaker and Deputy Speaker. She pointed out that her party had accomplished a resounding victory [in the Assembly elections].
Referring to Mr. Jayakumar's illustrious predecessors such as J. Sivashamugam Pillai, U. Krishna Rao, S. Chellapandian and N. Gopala Menon, the Chief Minister emphasised that Mr. Jayakumar should remain the symbol of impartiality. Holding the scale of justice evenly, he should commend good deeds and point out mistakes.
In the last five years, eviction or suspension of members of the Opposition was carried out without rhyme or reason.
Her intention in recalling this, she said, was not to find fault with anyone but to underscore the importance of upholding the tradition and dignity of the House, promoting Tamil culture and establishing the good qualities of respecting people, transcending political barriers.
Leader of the Opposition and Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam founder Vijayakant said Mr. Jayakumar was aware of the nuances of law. The Speaker should give the Opposition more time as the ruling party would need its suggestions.
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam floor leader M.K. Stalin described Mr. Jayakumar as a well-experienced person and hoped that the Speaker would respect the sentiments of the Opposition.
Mr. Vijayakant and Mr. Stalin greeted the AIADMK government on assumption of office. A. Soundararajan, Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader, said people were nursing great expectations from the new government and hoping that it would solve their problems.
M. Arumugham (CPI), K. Gopinath (Congress), J. Guru (Pattali Makkal Katchi) K. Krishnasamy (Puthiya Tamizhagam), M.H. Jawahirullah (Manithaneya Makkal Katchi), R. Sarath Kumar (All India Samuthuva Makkal Katchi) and P.V. Kathiravan (All India Forward Bloc) commended Mr. Jayakumar and Mr. Dhanapal on their election.
