AIADMK Stages Walkout in TN Assembly Over TASMAC Controversy
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Synopsis
On April 7, tensions rose in the Tamil Nadu Assembly when AIADMK's K. Palaniswami led a walkout over Speaker M. Appavu's refusal to discuss TASMAC's legal issues during Zero Hour. Palaniswami criticized the government's actions and emphasized the need for transparency regarding TASMAC's dealings with the Enforcement Directorate.
Key Takeaways
- AIADMK MLAs walked out of the Tamil Nadu Assembly.
- Speaker M. Appavu denied discussion on TASMAC issues.
- TASMAC's legal actions involve Enforcement Directorate cases.
- Transparency concerns were raised by K. Palaniswami.
- The move to transfer cases out of Tamil Nadu was questioned.
Chennai, April 7 (NationPress) Tensions escalated in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Monday when AIADMK General Secretary and Leader of the Opposition, K. Palaniswami (EPS), orchestrated a walkout involving party MLAs. This protest was incited by Speaker M. Appavu’s refusal to permit a discussion during Zero Hour on an issue that EPS highlighted as vital to public welfare.
The Speaker asserted that the matter was sub judice and hence prohibited from discussion in the Assembly.
However, Palaniswami, speaking to journalists outside the House, stated that he aimed to interrogate the State Government regarding TASMAC’s recent legal actions with the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
As per EPS, TASMAC -- the State-run liquor distribution chain -- had approached the Supreme Court seeking a transfer of ED-related cases from the Madras High Court to another High Court in the nation.
He claimed that this action raises significant questions about transparency and the State Government’s motives.
“The ED conducted raids on liquor distilleries supplying to TASMAC and discovered suspected financial discrepancies totaling Rs 1,000 crore,” Palaniswami remarked.
“Following this, TASMAC initiated several legal actions, including one against the ED’s operations and another alleging mistreatment of its personnel. They even requested an order from the Madras High Court to obstruct further actions by the ED.”
He elaborated that after a two-judge panel from the Madras High Court recused itself from the issue, a new panel was established by the Chief Justice.
However, TASMAC reportedly approached the Supreme Court shortly thereafter, expressing reluctance to allow this new panel to hear the case and requesting to relocate all ED-related issues out of the State.
“This isn’t a personal matter. TASMAC is a government agency. The people deserve clarity on why the State is attempting to relocate such sensitive cases away from Tamil Nadu,” he emphasized.
“When I served as Chief Minister and confronted legal challenges in the Madras High Court, I remained steadfast. We never attempted to transfer our case elsewhere.”
EPS also raised concerns about whether the intent behind TASMAC’s Supreme Court request was to evade public scrutiny. “If the case is deliberated outside Tamil Nadu, local media will struggle to cover it thoroughly. Is the government fearful of public exposure?” he queried.
Reaffirming that his attempt to address this issue was part of his responsibilities as Opposition Leader, Palaniswami condemned the Speaker’s ruling as suppressing discussion on an issue of considerable public interest.
