Stalin seeks action against MLA from DMK’s ally for disruptive conduct in assembly

CHENNAI: Chief minister M K Stalin on Thursday turned emotional, saying he was pained by the conduct of Panruti MLA T Velmurugan and requested speaker M Appavu to initiate action against the legislator. Appavu warned Velmurugan, asking him to “correct himself” as advised by the CM.

During the budget debate, Velmurugan, founder of the Tamilaga Valvurimai Katchi, an ally of the DMK, accused the previous AIADMK regime of failing to implement a govt order mandating a 20% reservation for Tamil medium students in the Tamil Nadu uniformed services recruitment board’s examinations. “No one was selected by the recruitment board in the past 10 years,” he alleged.

Deputy leader of opposition R B Udhayakumar countered Velmurugan, calling it generic. Velmurugan’s attempts to raise a point of order triggered an argument between him and minister P K Sekarbabu. Velmurugan left his seat and engaged in a heated exchange with the minister by moving to the aisle. The incident occurred while Stalin was present in the house.

Deputy speaker K Pitchandi repeatedly asked Velmurugan to return to his seat. Velmurugan, however, proceeded to the well of the house to continue his argument. Appavu then intervened, warning Velmurugan of consequences.

CM demanded that the speaker act against the MLA. Stalin described the MLA’s behaviour on certain occasions as "meddlesome” and urged Velmurugan to correct himself. Appavu said Stalin rarely criticised members and warned of strict action against any future such incidents.

Talking to reporters later, Velmurugan said he was well within his rights to raise a point of order against AIADMK.