After 'bare chest' protest, it is dharna

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI, AUG. 29. After yesterday's ``shirtless'' stir in the Assembly, the PMK member, Mr.Murugavelrajan, caused a flutter once again, staging a dharna near the Speaker's podium today.

The provocation for the ``protest'' was the AIADMK member, ``Nilakottai'' Anbazhagan's critical reference to Mr. Murugavel Rajan's ``shirtless'' appearance yesterday.

During the debate on the Health department, the AIADMK MLA indicated that the PMK member's protest over the AIADMK Government not providing a ministerial berth to the Dalit Pallars was ill-timed.

Rising in protest, the senior PMK MLA, Mr.I. Ganesan, insisted that the ruling party member withdraw his remark. Joining in, Mr.Murugavel Rajan insisted that he be given an opportunity to present his views.

When the Deputy Speaker, Mr. ``Varahur'' Arunachalam refused permission, Mr.Murugavelrajan suddenly rushed towards the Speaker's podium and squatted there.

After staging a ``two-minute'' dharna, he returned to his seat at the instance of his party floor leader, Mr. G. K. Mani.

Ending the ruckus, the Leader of the House and Finance Minister, Mr. C. Ponnaiyan, said the AIADMK member had not named the PMK member at all and hence, there was no cause for objection.

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Section  : Southern States
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