AIADMK protest in Rajya Sabha over gas supply to Baalu's firm

New Delhi, Apr 24 : All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) today accused Shipping and Transport Minister and DMK leader T R Baalu of misusing his position to the public sector Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) to provide gas to companies run by his sons in Tamil Nadu.

AIADMK leader Maitreyan demanded a response from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the issue despite repeated appeals by the Chair not to disturb Question Hour. This led to the AIADMK members walking out of the House in protest.

Baalu on Wednesday had admitted to taking favours for a family-owned firm and told the Rajya Sabha that there was nothing wrong in requesting the Union Petroleum Minister to provide gas to the company, in which he had held the post of Managing Director. Now, he added, his sons and their wives were currently associated with the firm.

He said the name of the firm was King India Power Corporation.

Rajya Sabha Chairman Mohammed Hamid Ansari said he was compelled to invoke Rule 125 of the Rajya Sabha Rules and Procedures, asking the agitating AIADMK members to withdraw from the House.

ANI