AIADMK MLAs walk out of TN Assembly over Speaker's 'bias', seek action against ministers

IANS April 15, 2025 306 views

The AIADMK opposition staged a dramatic walkout from the Tamil Nadu Assembly, protesting against Speaker M. Appavu's alleged systematic bias in denying them speaking opportunities. Deputy Leader R.B. Udhayakumar accused the Speaker of repeatedly blocking their attempts to raise critical issues about ministerial misconduct. The opposition specifically targeted three ministers - K.N. Nehru, K. Ponmudy, and V. Senthilbalaji - alleging financial irregularities and inappropriate conduct. Udhayakumar characterized the Chief Minister's recent policy announcements as diversionary tactics designed to deflect attention from substantive political challenges.

"The Assembly is a forum to discuss people's issues" - R.B. Udhayakumar, AIADMK Deputy Leader of Opposition
Chennai, April 15: Legislators of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) staged a walkout from the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Tuesday, accusing Speaker M. Appavu of repeatedly denying the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, R.B. Udhayakumar, the opportunity to raise critical issues during the Zero Hour.

Key Points

1

AIADMK demands action against three ministers with alleged financial irregularities

2

Speaker repeatedly denies opposition speaking time during Zero Hour

3

ED investigations reveal potential financial misconduct in TASMAC

4

Opposition criticizes Chief Minister's silence on ministerial controversies

Speaking to reporters outside the Assembly, Udhayakumar alleged that the Speaker has been systematically refusing to allow the principal opposition party to voice concerns in the House. He further stated that AIADMK MLAs had given notice to move a no-confidence motion against three cabinet ministers -- K.N. Nehru (Municipal Administration and Water Supply), K. Ponmudy (Forests and Khadi) and V. Senthilbalaji (Electricity, Prohibition and Excise).

Udhayakumar pointed out that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had conducted searches at premises linked to Nehru and his family members, reportedly uncovering financial irregularities. He also noted that the ED had searched the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) office a month ago and unearthed alleged financial misconduct amounting to Rs 1,000 crore.

The deputy LoP further criticised Minister Ponmudy for making derogatory remarks against Hinduism and women, claiming that such statements violated the oath of office taken by a minister. “I strongly condemn the Chief Minister for not removing Minister Ponmudy from the Cabinet,” he added.

Udhayakumar said the Speaker justified the denial of speaking time by citing that the Chief Minister would make a suo motu statement under Rule 110 of the Assembly during the Zero Hour. “The Assembly is a forum to discuss people’s issues. Even after the opposition raises matters during Zero Hour, the Chief Minister is free to make announcements. However, we are repeatedly being denied opportunities to speak,” he alleged.

Commenting on the Chief Minister’s recent announcement regarding the formation of a high-level committee to study Centre-State relations, Udhayakumar said, “The DMK was in alliance with the Centre for nearly 16 years. Why didn’t it take any steps then? When Education was moved from the State List to the Concurrent List, the DMK remained silent.” He alleged that the announcement was a diversionary tactic to shift public attention from pressing issues.

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
This is getting ridiculous! The opposition has every right to raise concerns. The Speaker should maintain neutrality instead of acting like a DMK puppet. Democracy is being throttled in TN 😡
S
Suresh R.
While I don't always agree with AIADMK, they're raising valid points here. The financial irregularities and Ponmudy's remarks deserve proper discussion. The Speaker should allow healthy debate.
M
Malini V.
Walkouts won't solve anything. AIADMK should try more constructive methods to get their voice heard. Both sides need to work together for the people's welfare 🤝
K
Karthik N.
ED raids, financial scams, controversial statements - seems like the government has a lot to answer for. Why suppress discussion? Transparency is key in democracy.
A
Anitha P.
As someone who follows assembly proceedings regularly, I've noticed the Speaker does give more time to ruling party MLAs. This imbalance needs correction. The opposition's voice matters too!
R
Rajesh M.
Respectfully, while the concerns may be valid, the AIADMK's approach seems more about political theater than actual problem-solving. Both parties need to rise above petty politics for TN's development.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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Tags:
AIADMK Tamil Nadu Assembly R.B. Udhayakumar Speaker M. Appavu Political Controversy ED Investigations
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