AIADMK members stage walk-out on media attack issue

New Delhi, May 16 (UNI) Miffed over repeated denials by the Chair to raise the issue of attacks on a media house in Madurai in Tamil Nadu last week, AIADMK members today staged a walk-out from the Rajya Sabha during Zero Hour.

Midway through Zero Hour, AIADMK leader P G Narayanan pleaded with Deputy Chairman K Rehman Khan to raise the issue of violent attacks on the office of 'Dinakaran' newspaper, owned by ousted Information Technology and Communications Minister Dayanidhi Maran's brother Kalanidhi Maran.

Mr Narayanan was, however, sternly told by the Chair not to raise the issue as the Chairman had not accepted his notice for doing so. ''The issue cannot be raised during Zero Hour,'' he ruled.

For a brief time, the AIADMK leader argued with Mr Khan to allow him to make a statement on the incident. However, it was rebuffed.

Unable to find his way, Mr Narayanan led his party members in staging a walk-out from the House.

Yesterday also, members of the AIADMK and the DMK had clashed over the issue, forcing the Chair to adjourn the House. Mr Narayanan was then allowed by the Chair to raise the issue soon after the Question Hour was over, but before he could begin his submission, there were objections and unruly scenes in the House with Congress Chief Whip Narayanasamy and DMK leader and Shipping and Road Transport and Highways Minister T R Baalu objecting to the discussion.

UNI