AIADMK MLAs evicted from TN Assembly after 'dharna' over Kallakurichi, CM slams 'drama'

Chennai, Jun 21 (PTI) Leader of Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami and all other AIADMK members were evicted enmasse from the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Friday after they staged a sit-in protest over the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy in which the death toll has increased to 47.

Chief Minister M K Stalin slammed the AIADMK for 'drama' and its attempt to cause confusion and appealed to the opposition to not seek political mileage from the grievous incident.

As soon as the House convened for the day, when the Question Hour was being taken up, the AIADMK legislators, led by Leader of Opposition (LoP) Palaniswami were on their feet, raising slogans and seeking the chair's nod to raise the Kallakurichi incident. Amid the din, while Speaker M Appavu, citing House rules, repeatedly appealed to them to resume their seats, the opposition members were unrelenting and had gathered in front of him.

Palaniswami and a number of other MLAs sat on the floor right before the Speaker. Eventually, following Speaker Appavu's direction, marshalls evicted them and some MLAs, including RB Udhayakumar were carried outside by them.

While the Speaker ruled that the main opposition party legislators cannot attend proceedings for the day, he withdrew his ruling later following an appeal by Stalin. The CM said he and late Chief Minister M Karunanidhi are of the firm resolve that the House should be held in a democratic manner and that the members of the main opposition should take part in proceedings. The AIADMK MLAs, however, did not return to the House immediately to take part in the proceedings.

Stalin said that in December 2001 (when AIADMK was in power) a similar incident had happened in Cuddalore district, claiming 52 lives and affecting over 200 people.

"Now, I have ordered tough action. At that time (2001), action was not taken properly," he said. Fearing a reference by members to that incident, "they (AIADMK) have staged a drama," the CM added.

The CM said the behaviour of the opposition MLAs went against House rules and tradition. They attempted to cause confusion and they were evicted. Palaniswami had been the Chief Minister and others had served as Ministers. They should have avoided such a behaviour.

The evicted AIADMK members did not include supporters of former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam (OPS) who did not join their estranged colleagues. On the ruckus by the opposition MLAs, Leader of the House, Duraimurugan said it was an undesirable event led by the LoP and AIADMK MLAs and it was regrettable. Duraimurugan, a senior Minister, said opposition MLAs have a right to raise issues and debate. However, it should conform to House rules and Question Hour is very important and during that time, allegations should not be levelled.

Later, addressing the media, Palaniswami said he wanted to flag the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy, which he said has left "50 persons dead." He described the eviction as "murder of democracy." Replying to call attention motion moved by several MLAs over the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy, Stalin expressed anguish over the death of 47 persons in Kallakurichi district following consumption of 'methanol mixed poisonous arrack,' on June 19, 2024. The LoP could have stayed back in the House to express his views.

"However, without doing that, in such an important issue, he has moved out with his party members for political reasons." Stalin, referring to remarks that he should own up responsibility for the Kallakurichi incident, said: "I am not the one to run away from problems and go into hiding. I have listed the action taken. I have replied to you only after arresting the culprits. I am reining in the culprits with an iron hand." The CM said:"I have with me the list of illicit arrack deaths during the AIADMK regime. I don't like to talk politics based on that." Also, he appealed to the opposition to not seek political mileage by using the grievous incident." He assured stern action to protect the people from anti-social elements.

Explaining in detail the action taken, including measures to speed up medical care, arrest of four persons, seizure of methanol, he said whomsoever it may be, if they are linked to the hooch tragedy, they will be brought to book. After assuming office in May 2021, under the DMK regime, till date as many as 4.61 lakh persons have been arrested and 4.63 lakh cases were registered in connection with illicit arrack. Also, 16.51 lakh litres of illicit arrack has been confiscated and destroyed. As many as 565 persons have been detained under the Goondas Act.

Though police superintendents have been directed to audit licensed users of methanol such as industries, smuggling of methanol from neighbouring states result in incidents like the Kallakurichi tragedy. "It is deeply anguishing that such undesirable incidents happen despite such stringent steps to completely eliminate illicit arrack. This government will render all help to the affected people." Stalin also outlined additional relief measures to the kin of the deceased in addition to the Rs 10 lakh solatium to each of the affected families. Such measures include Rs 5 lakh in Fixed Deposit in the name of children who have lost both their parents.

"When they complete 18 years of age, the amount will be provided to them with interest." Barring OPS loyalists, other AIADMK members including Palaniswami and PMK legislators were seen in black shirts. Stalin was not present in the House when AIADMK members were evicted. PTI VGN VGN SA