AIADMK, CPI(M) members stage walkout

Chennai, Nov 12 (UNI) Members of the main opposition, AIADMK and Communist Party of India (Marxist) today staged a walkout from Tamil Nadu assembly, after Speaker R Avudaiyappan denied them permission to raise the issue of power crisis.

After the House adopted a political resolution, calling for ceasefire in Sri Lanka, AIADMK whip K A Sengottaiyan demanded that the party be allowed to raise the power crisis as a special call attention.

When Speaker R Avudaiyappan said that the issue would be taken up tomorrow, the AIADMK leader was convinced and resumed his seat.

However, Electricity Minister Arcot N Veerasamy intervened and said he was ready for a debate and was even willing to forego his lunch and offer the clarifications, the AIADMK leader stood up again and demanded that the Chair give permission.

But as the Speaker denied permission, Mr Sengottaiyan and Deputy Leader of the Opposition O Panneerselvam led their colleagues out of the House.

Ms Balabharathy of CPI(M) wanted to raise the same issue, but the Speaker turned down permission, leading to the walkout by CPI(M) member.

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