CHENNAI: Legislators of AIADMK, including leader of opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami, were
suspended
Wednesday from Tamil Nadu assembly for the remainder of the session ending June 29 after they demanded an adjournment to discuss the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy that has claimed 60 deaths.
More than 110 people are still being treated in various hospitals after consuming methanol-spoked moonshine brew in Karunapuram village on June 18.
Assembly speaker M Appavu ordered the mass eviction of AIADMK MLAs shortly after the session began. Led by party general secretary Palaniswami, the AIADMK legislators – dressed in black shirts as a mark of protest – shouted slogans and insisted on their demand despite Appavu’s assurance that the issue could be raised after question hour.
AIADMK MLAs prioritising publicity over duties: Stalin
Some members, including former ministers, rushed to the well. “Even if I allow the motion, they aren’t ready to discuss as they intend to walk out,” Appavu said.
CM MK Stalin criticised AIADMK, saying they were prioritising publicity over their democratic duties. “State govt has taken appropriate measures with genuine concern in this tragedy,” he said, asserting that DMK-led govt had been prepared to address opposition’s questions from the first day of the session.
Palaniswami, speaking to reporters, claimed the party was not given an opportunity to discuss the increasing death toll despite submitting a notice for adjournment.
He accused speaker Appavu of engaging in politics and govt of suppressing the opposition’s voice.
