AIADMK members protest against Ko Si Mani

Chennai, Aug 2: The members of opposition AIADMK today protested vociferously against Co-operative Minister Ko Si Mani for referring to leader of the opposition J Jayalalithaa by name, creating ripples in the State Assembly.

Replying to the discussions on the demand for grants for his department, Mr Mani referred to the statement made by Ms Jayalalithaa in the House on July 31 that her Government waived interest on farmers' loans to the tune of Rs 1,169.30 crore.

Even as he was disputing Ms Jayalalithaa's claim, the AIADMK members were on their feet protesting against the Minister referring to their party supremo by name.

Mr P K Sekar Babu (AIADMK) insisted that Ms Jayalalithaa should be referred either as Leader of the Opposition or 'Maanbumigu uruppinar' (honourable member). This evoked sharp reaction from the treasury benches and soon members from both the sides started shouting at each other resulting in a din.

Minister for Higher Education K Ponmudi was also seen vehemently arguing with opposition benches in defence of his ministerial colleague.

Stating that he was much older to Ms Jayalalithaa in age and more experienced, Mr Mani asserted that there was nothing wrong in referring to her by name.

UNI