DMK members evicted en masse from Assembly

Chennai: A remark by AIADMK member representing the Vilathikulam Assembly constituency targeting the DMK leadership and also referring to DMK treasurer M.K. Stalin’s son-in-law triggered strong protests from Opposition DMK and it culminated in the en masse eviction of DMK legislators from the House on Wednesday.

Participating in the debate on the interim budget for 2016-17, G.V. Markandeyan, before winding up his speech, criticised the DMK and also referred to Sabareesan, Stalin’s son-in-law.

Immediately, DMK members stood on their feet and protested. Some rushed to Speaker P. Dhanapal’s Chair and demanded expunsion.

Mr Dhanapal assured to peruse the Assembly records and take appropriate
action if Markandeyan’s remarks were found objectionable.

However, Stalin, upon being allowed to speak on the issue, posed a question, which was expunged. As the enraged DMK legislators including Stalin and Duraimurugan, protested demanding the Speaker to expunge Markandeyan’s comments, Mr

Dhanapal warned them not to disrupt the House. He mentioned DMK legislator Anbalagan’s name and reprimanded him for unruly behaviour.

Leader of the House O. Panneerselvam, intervened to say the DMK members could convey their view in an appropriate manner rather than disrupt the proceedings.

“What was the necessity for Anbalagan (DMK legislator) to create ruckus and ring the Speaker’s bell?” he asked.

As they remained unrelenting, the Speaker ordered the Assembly marshals to evict them. At one juncture, Mr Dhanapal was heard saying, “You can’t force me to take action by agitating in front of me,” he added.

The slogan shouting DMK members squatted before the Speaker and intensified their protest. But were forcibly removed.