Chennai: AIADMK minister's praise of their general secretary V.K. Sasikala in the Assembly led to a debate with Opposition DMK objecting to such reference of persons who are not in the House.
However, Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam justified the mention of their leader and Speaker P. Dhanapal too ruled that there is nothing wrong in appreciating the AIADMK leader 'Chinnamma'.
When minister for co-operatives 'Sellur' K. Raju started replying to a query in the question hour, he started by saying “I pay my respects to Chinnamma, who was like a mother, sister and friend for former Chief Minister Amma and safeguarded her”. Deputy opposition leader K. Duraimurugan, who rose to his feet, objected to the remarks saying that the names of those who are not in the House should not be mentioned and such a custom is not fair.
The Speaker said every party member would appreciate his leader and the minister is lauding his party leader. “There is nothing wrong in the minister's speech. If the Opposition members wanted, you could speak about your leader”.
Leader of Opposition M.K. Stalin, who intervened, asked how could it be fair since it is improper as per tradition and conscience. At this juncture, the Chief Minister said there is a ruling that no allegations could be raised during the question hour, but there is no bar in mentioning the names of those who are not in the Assembly. When a member says he would pay his respects to his mother and father, can anyone ask if they are present in the Assembly, Panneerselvam asked. Even when DMK was in power, such practices had been followed, the Chief Minister said.
However, Stalin said if the DMK had practiced something wrong, why the AIADMK should repeat the same mistake and added that his party would not make such a mistake.
Panneerselvam said the minister is speaking about his leader and if the DMK wanted, they could also speak about their leader. To this Stalin said “If you say that such practices will continue, you must remember that people are watching you”.
The Speaker ruled that there is nothing wrong in appreciating their leader and the Opposition could also laud their leader.
