Date:27/09/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/09/27/stories/2005092712180100.htm

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Mazdoor issue sparks walkout

Special Correspondent

Minister's charge against previous DMK regime infuriates the Opposition

CHENNAI: Following acrimonious scenes over the demand for reinstatement of road mazdoor, the Opposition staged a walkout in the Assembly on Monday.

Members of the AIADMK and the Opposition were on their feet after Opposition Leader K. Anbazhagan made an observation against the Government which was expunged by Speaker K. Kalimuthu.

The Opposition demanded that an allegation made by Food and Cooperation Minister V. Jayaraman against the previous DMK regime on recruitment of road mazdoors should also be deleted.

Mr. Kalimuthu told the DMK members that Mr. Jayaraman had only given an explanation.

The DMK members reiterated their demand. Soon, Mr. Anbazhagan led the walkout by party members.

Immediately, Congress Legislature Party leader S.R. Balasubramoniyan demanded that the Minister's remark should be expunged and sought a ruling from the Speaker.

When Mr. Kalimuthu stuck to his point, members of the Congress, followed by the PMK, the CPI, and the CPI (M) joined the walkout.

It all started when K. Ponmudi (DMK), participating in a discussion on the first supplementary estimates, wondered why Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, known for her affection for animals, was not merciful towards the dismissed road mazdoor.

In response, Mr. Jayaraman asked why the DMK did not care for workers of defunct cooperative spinning mills as it did for the road mazdoor. He alleged that the DMK Government had recruited the road workers for monetary consideration.

This led to arguments between the ruling and Opposition parties. DMK Deputy Leader Durai Murugan made a remark against the Minister which was expunged by the Speaker.

Mr. Anbazhagan challenged Mr. Jayaraman to furnish proof in support of his allegation, failing which his observation should be removed.

The Minister said he had told the Assembly what some dismissed road mazdoor had conveyed to him.

On the issue of reinstatement of the road mazdoor, Ms. Jayalalithaa said as the matter was before the Supreme Court, no action could be taken.

Earlier, during a discussion on supplementary estimates, Mr. Ponmudi said just Rs. 2,000 and Rs. 1,000 had been set apart for schemes, including the Comprehensive Road Infrastructure Development Programme and the Chennai Metropolitan Development Plan, estimated to cost several hundred crores of rupees. Finance Minister C. Ponnaiyan said allocations had already been made in the budget and what was being provided now was for the additional expenditure.