Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam founder-president and Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Vijayakant was on Thursday suspended from the House for 10 days, prompting his party members and those of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the CPI (Marxist) to stage a walkout.
Announcing his ruling amid din in the House, Speaker D. Jayakumar told the Assembly that the duration of suspension would cover the present session and the next session. During this period, Mr. Vijayakant would not be entitled to pay and allowances.
While announcing that the matter against other DMDK members was being dropped, Mr. Jayakumar said they should conduct themselves in a dignified manner hereafter and if they indulged in such acts again, stringent action would have to be taken against them.
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His ruling was based on the Privileges Committee's report on the conduct of Mr. Vijayakant and other members of his party in the Assembly the previous day.
Earlier, Deputy Speaker and chairman of the Privileges Committee P. Dhanapal submitted the panel's report to the House.
The report was adopted by voice vote through a resolution without debate.
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As Finance Minister and Leader of the House O. Panneerselvam moved the resolution, noisy scenes were witnessed.
All floor leaders of the parties – the DMDK, the DMK and the two Communist parties – along with their members were on their feet. Deputy Leader of Opposition Panruti S. Ramachandran argued that on submission, a report became property of the House. The discussion on it should be allowed.
Disagreeing with his position, the Speaker said all parties were represented on the committee and given opportunities at the committee meeting to make their point.
As the DMDK members walked out of the House, they raised slogans, demanding the revocation of the suspension.
Later, when M.K. Stalin of the DMK attempted to say something he was also not allowed.
The DMK and the Left parties left the House in protest.
Among those who did not join the protest were members of the Congress and Pattali Makkal Katchi.