Intense Debate in TN Assembly Between Stalin and Palaniswami Regarding State Law and Order
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Synopsis
In a heated Tamil Nadu Assembly session, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami clashed over the law and order situation. The debate was sparked by four murders on March 19, with Palaniswami accusing the government of negligence and Stalin defending the administration's actions.
Key Takeaways
- Stalin and Palaniswami engaged in a heated debate.
- Palaniswami highlighted four murders that raised concerns.
- Stalin defended the government's actions regarding law and order.
- The opposition staged a walkout in protest.
- Past incidents of police violence were recalled during the debate.
Chennai, March 20 (NationPress) The Tamil Nadu Assembly experienced a heated confrontation on Thursday between Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and the Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) regarding the pressing issue of law and order in the state.
This clash arose when the opposition voiced alarm about a series of four murders that transpired on a single day, March 19.
Palaniswami charged the government with neglecting its duty to uphold law and order, demanding swift clarification. Stalin acknowledged the occurrences but asserted that the government had acted without delay.
"I do not deny that these incidents occurred. The real question is whether the government has responded, and we have," he declared.
As tensions escalated, the Chief Minister challenged Palaniswami, who was about to initiate a walkout, to remain and hear his response "if he had the courage."
Consequently, AIADMK members, led by Palaniswami, exited in protest.
Notably, expelled AIADMK leader and former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam chose not to join them.
Earlier, when Palaniswami attempted to address the matter after Question Hour, Speaker M. Appavu postponed the discussion, citing that he was only made aware of it that morning. Nevertheless, the Leader of the Opposition insisted on an immediate debate, deeming it a matter of urgency.
Leader of the House, Duraimurugan, backed the Speaker's decision, contending that ministers required sufficient time to prepare their replies. However, Stalin interjected, advocating for Palaniswami to voice his concerns.
In his discourse, Palaniswami also leveled accusations against the government, while the Speaker and Duraimurugan reminded him to concentrate on the subject.
Following this, the AIADMK MLAs walked out, alleging that the Speaker was stifling their voices.
In his response, Stalin refuted Palaniswami’s claims by recalling previous instances of police brutality during the AIADMK rule, such as the notorious Thoothukudi police firing, which resulted in 14 fatalities, and the custodial deaths in Sathankulam.
"Mr. Palaniswami is departing now because he does not wish to hear the details in my reply," he commented.
The Chief Minister contended that the perception of a decline in law and order was amplified by social media, while official data indicated a drop in crime rates since the DMK assumed power in 2021. Elaborating on a recent murder in Erode, he disclosed that the victim, John alias Chanakya, was a history-sheeter killed in a retaliation incident. Police tracked down the perpetrators and opened fire when they attempted to assault officers. Four suspects were injured and were receiving treatment at a hospital in Coimbatore, he noted.
