Gov's Tamil address takes members by surprise

Chennai, Jan 20: Tamil Nadu Governor Surjit Singh Barnala today took members of the Assembly by pleasant surprise by beginning the customary address to the House in Tamil.

Mr Barnala, who was holding office for the second term in the state, began his address by greeting the members in Tamil.

Much to the surprise of Chief Minister M Karunanidhi and other members, he continued his address in the language, triggering thunderous applause from the treasury benches.

The Governor expressed hope that the standard of living of people would improve during 2007 as the state's economy marched ahead thanks to the Government's exemplary schemes. Later, he switched over to English to complete the address.

However, Mr Barnala's attempt to master Tamil was marred by the Opposition AIADMK's noisy boycott of the Governor's address.

Even before the Governor could commence his address, Deputy Leader of the Opposition O Panneerselvam began to read out a two-page statement condemning the Government on various issues.

As the Governor began the address amid thumping of desk by the treasury benches, the AIADMK members retaliated by shouting slogans against the government.

As a result, both Mr Barnala and Mr Panneerselvam could not be heard in the din.

UNI