TN Assembly lauds Jaya for 'successful' GIM

Chennai, Sept 23: Amidst a boycott by DMK and some other opposition parties, Tamil Nadu Assembly on Wednesday passed a resolution "thanking and lauding" Chief Minister Jayalalithaa for the 'successful' conduct of the maiden two-day Global Investors Meet this month.

Opposition DMK, PMK, Congress and Puthiya Tamizhagam boycotted the government resolution. Finance Minister and Leader of the House, O Panneerselvam, moved the resolution saying Jayalalithaa had evinced keen interest in the successful conduct of GIM, and had guided the officials with necessary inputs.

As a result, the investment commitments exceeded the targeted Rs one lakh and stood at Rs 2.42 lakh crore, he said crediting Jayalalithaa for the 'grand success' of the investors meet, held here on Sept 9 and 10.

The resolution said the Assembly "thanked and lauded" Jayalalithaa for ensuring Rs 2.42 lakh crore investments and over four lakh employment opportunities.

Panneerselvam also recalled the various pro-industry efforts by the Jayalalithaa governments since 1991, when she first came out with a New Industrial Policy, and said that it paved the way for industrialisation as car manufacturers, Ford and Hyundai, first set up shop here.

However, DMK opposed the resolution and party's Deputy Floor Leader Durai Murugan wanted to make some remarks which Speaker P Dhanapal did not allow.

The DMK members persisted for sometime before staging a walkout as the Chair did not heed their demand.

Puthiya Tamizhagam leader K Krishnasamy said there was no "atmosphere" to welcome the resolution and walked out.

PMK and Congress members also followed suit. Later, the resolution was adopted by a voice vote. Last week, the Assembly had extended its appreciation to Jayalalithaa for the successful conduct of GIM.

PTI