AIADMK Legislators Exit Tamil Nadu Assembly Over Speaker's Alleged Partiality, Demand Action Against Ministers

Synopsis

AIADMK MLAs staged a walkout from the Tamil Nadu Assembly, accusing Speaker M. Appavu of bias against Deputy Leader R.B. Udhayakumar. They raised concerns over financial misconduct allegations involving ministers and criticized derogatory remarks made by Minister Ponmudy. Udhayakumar highlighted the Chief Minister's failure to address key issues raised during Zero Hour.

Key Takeaways

AIADMK MLAs walked out due to Speaker's bias.
Accusations against three cabinet ministers.
ED's investigation into financial irregularities.
Criticism of Minister Ponmudy's remarks.
Concerns over Chief Minister's recent announcements.

Chennai, April 15 (NationPress) Members of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) walked out of the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Tuesday, alleging that Speaker M. Appavu has consistently denied Deputy Leader of the Opposition, R.B. Udhayakumar, the chance to address significant issues during the Zero Hour.

Speaking to journalists outside the Assembly, Udhayakumar claimed that the Speaker has been systematically obstructing the main opposition party from expressing concerns within the House. He further mentioned that AIADMK MLAs had issued a notice to initiate a no-confidence motion against three cabinet ministers -- K.N. Nehru (Municipal Administration and Water Supply), K. Ponmudy (Forests and Khadi), and V. Senthilbalaji (Electricity, Prohibition, and Excise).

Udhayakumar highlighted that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had carried out searches at properties associated with Nehru and his family, reportedly revealing financial discrepancies. He also noted that the ED had previously searched the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) office, uncovering alleged financial misconduct totaling Rs 1,000 crore.

The deputy LoP further condemned Minister Ponmudy for making offensive remarks regarding Hinduism and women, asserting that such comments breached the ministerial oath. “I strongly condemn the Chief Minister for not dismissing Minister Ponmudy from the Cabinet,” he stated.

Udhayakumar remarked that the Speaker justified the denial of speaking time by claiming that the Chief Minister would make a suo motu statement under Rule 110 of the Assembly during Zero Hour. “The Assembly serves as a platform to discuss public concerns. Even when the opposition raises issues during Zero Hour, the Chief Minister is free to make announcements. However, we are continually denied the opportunity to speak,” he charged.

Commenting on the Chief Minister’s recent declaration about forming a high-level committee to examine Centre-State relations, Udhayakumar said, “The DMK was allied with the Centre for almost 16 years. Why didn’t it take action then? When Education was transferred from the State List to the Concurrent List, the DMK remained silent.” He alleged that the announcement was a diversion to shift public focus from pressing matters.