Oppn continues House boycott for day four

Chennai, Jan 24 (UNI) The Opposition AIADMK and MDMK continued their boycott of Tamil Nadu Assembly proceedings for the fourth consecutive day today, demanding the resignation of Chief Minister M Karunanidhi on the issue of violence during Chennai Corporation polls.

When the House met at 0930 hrs, AIADMK members attempted to raise the issue even before commencement of the question hour.

They also shouted slogans against the government and staged a noisy walkout in the House.

Members of the MDMK, an ally of the AIADMK, also followed suit.

The AIADMK and MDMK had been boycotting Assembly proceedings demanding the resignation of Mr Karunanidhi, Local Administration Minister M K Stalin and State Election Commissioner T Chandrasekaran after the Madras High Court's split verdict on Corporation polls.

They also demanded the removal of Director General of Police and City Police Commissioner for alleged failure to prevent violence during the elections.

It may be recalled that a Division Bench of the High Court delivered a split verdict on the Corporation elections on January 12.

While Mr Justice S J Mukhopadhaya held it was not feasible to determine if elections were free and fair or invalid, Mr Justice F M Ibrahim Kalifulla ordered repoll in 99 wards citing irregularities.

UNI