CHENNAI: Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Assembly R. Avudaiappan on Wednesday said adequate protection would be given to former Chief Minister and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam general secretary Jayalalithaa if she attended the House.

Shortly after the Business Advisory Committee meeting of the Assembly, he told reporters that the House would meet on Thursday to condole the death of P.T.R.Palanivel Rajan and 12 former Members.

According to the schedule announced by Mr. Avudaiappan, the Leader of the House will move the condolence resolution on Palanivel Rajan's demise immediately after obituary references are made on the former Members. The House will adjourn for the day after leaders of all parties pay tributes to the late Minister.

Debate till May 30

Discussion on the motion of thanks to the Governor's address will be taken up on May 26. Barring May 28, a holiday, the debate will go on till May 30. After the Leader of the Opposition concludes his speech, the debate will end with the Chief Minister's reply.

"Government business if any will be taken up on May 31," said the Speaker.

Asked about the AIADMK walkout just before the Governor addressed the Assembly, the Speaker said he wanted to conduct the proceedings smoothly. The Members were elected only to voice their demands and get them implemented through the Government.

Asked if he would appeal to Ms.Jayalalithaa to reconsider her decision not to attend the Assembly, he said people had exercised their franchise in favour of the Members anticipating that they would take part in the proceedings of the House.

Rule 29

His decision that the sitting of the House should commence at 9.30 a.m. was based on the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Rules. According to Rule 29, "A sitting of the House shall ordinarily commence at 9.30 a.m. and conclude at 1.30 p.m."

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