Southern States - Tamil Nadu

Now, Durai Murugan, Ponmudi exchange words

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI May 10. The differences in the DMK camp came out openly in the State Assembly lobby today as the party's senior leaders and former Ministers, Durai Murugan and K.Ponmudi, were locked in a verbal clash.

For a while, the focus shifted from the Assembly proceedings to the wrangle in the lobby as the two DMK leaders flung accusations at each other.

Finally, it was left to another former DMK Minister, Ko.Si. Mani, to pacify Mr.Ponmudi and avert an unseemly exchange of blows.

Trouble in the DMK camp began during the debate on the controversial Tamil Nadu Essential Maintenance Act. After Mr.Ponmudi described the legislation as ``fascist, draconian'', the Finance Minister, C.Ponnaiyan, retorted saying that such accusations should be levelled against the DMK chief, M.Karunanidhi, who had originally proposed such a legislation.

When Mr.Ponmudi rose to counter the charge, the Speaker, K.Kalimuthu signalled him to resume his seat with an assurance that he would be given a chance to record his views later.

However, Mr.Durai Murugan did not give him a chance, and he himself retorted the Minister's charge, saying the DMK regime only contemplated the legislation, while the AIADMK was trying to ``concretise'' it.

But, when Mr.Ponmudi insisted to have his say, Mr.Durai Murugan announced a walkout and left the House.

An angry Mr.Ponmudi stayed on in the House pleading with the Speaker for permission. But, even after Mr.Kalimuthu brushed aside his pleas, Mr.Ponmudi said he would leave the House only after recording his views.

As it became an embarrassment for the DMK, a few party MLAs cajoled and led him out of the House.

In the lobby, Mr.Ponmudi asked Mr.Durai Murugan why he had announced a walkout. To this, Mr.Durai Murugan retorted that the DMK, the main Opposition, could not remain in the House when the legislation was being passed.

Loud exchanges between the two leaders followed for while until Mr.Ponmudi was whisked away by his party colleagues.

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