TN Assembly plunges into pandemonium over CM's' remark on Jaya

Chennai, Sep 2 (UNI) The Tamil Nadu Assembly today plunged into pandemonium, triggered by an alleged personal remarks made against Leader of the Opposition J Jayalalithaa by Chief Minister M Karunanidhi.

The Opposition AIADMK, led by Deputy Leader of the Opposition O Panneerselvam, walked out of the House twice to protest against Speaker R Avudaiyappan's refusal to expunge the remarks against Ms Jayalalithaa.

Mr Karunanidhi, however, defended till the very end that he had not spoken disparagingly against Ms Jayalalithaa.

The last day of the first budget session was marred by a dramatic turnaround soon after Mr Panneerselvam made some observations on his party's opposition to the proposed Satellite city near Chennai.

Responding to the special mention, Mr Karunanidhi referred to a statement issued by Ms Jayalalithaa this morning and said he wanted to read it to drive home the new level to which the Tamil Nadu political culture had stooped to.

''Quoting a passage that seemed to pun on the Tamil world 'Thunai' (which also means companion), he said ''Mr Karunanidhi seems to have a liking for companionship. That is perhaps why he is going for an auxillary city (Thunai Nagaram) project.'' Mr Karunanidhi, sought to pay back Ms Jayalalithaa in her own coin by uttering ''as though she has not sought companionship.'' This red to protests from AIADMK members which virtually paralysed the proceedings for nearly 45 minutes.

Amidst shouts and counter shouts, some agitated AIADMK members rushed towards well of the House. DMK members also became furious and bagan moving towards the opposition benches. However, the members were controlled by senior leaders on both sides.

When Mr Karunanidhi resumed, he said there was nothing wrong in reading Ms Jayalalithaa's statement as it pertained to the satellite city project which was discussed in the House.

Waving a copy of the statement, he said ''this is a signed statement of your leader. What is wrong in reading it?'' He also dared them to face the situation.

At this juncture, Mr V P Kalairajan (AIADMK) moved menacingly towards the Speaker's podium and he was restrained by his party whip K A Sengottaiyan and Mr Panneerselvam.

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