PMK MLAs cycle to TN House with eco-health message

Chennai, Mar 22 (UNI) The Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) members today sprang a surprise when they arrived at the opening session of the Tamil Nadu Assembly on bicycles.

At a time when the leadership of the PMK, which had been extending outside support to the DMK Government, launched a broadside against the ruling party on a host of issues, a battery of media persons and curious onlookers for a moment thought it was a novel protest.

But it was not so as PMK Floor leader G K Mani revealed after the PMK members arrived from MLA Guest House to the Secretariat on cycles, sporting the party flag.

''It is not a protest, but to create awareness among people for a pollution free environment and to reduce the risk of disease arising out of obesity'', he said.

Chennai city has been choked with traffic and high pollution levels since smoke emanating from vehicles was very high forcing the people to inhale polluted air, which would eventually lead to health problems.

Moreover, obesity had become a cause of concern due to lack of exercise. ''Cycling is a sort of exercise to reduce obesity and it is a pollution-free mode of transport. It helps to keep the people physically fit'', Mr Mani said.

''We want to create awareness, that is why we came to the Secretariat by cycle as per the advise of PMK founder Dr S Ramadoss'', he said adding that all PMK legislators would come by cycle right through the entire budget session.

UNI