Date:03/04/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/04/03/stories/2007040317530600.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Congress member's remarks spark uproar in House

Special Correspondent

Stand united on issues such as attacks on fishermen, Karunanidhi urges parties

CHENNAI: The Assembly witnessed noisy scenes on Monday with Members belonging to the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) objecting to certain remarks made by Congress Member C. Gnanasekaran, who referred to issues relating to the recent attacks on fishermen belonging to the State.

Responding to a special mention by Members, Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi appealed to political parties not to cross swords on the issue as efforts had to be taken jointly to help the fishermen who were facing threats. He also asked the parties to stand united on issues such as Cauvery.

Trouble started when Mr. Gnanasekaran read a statement of MDMK general secretary Vaiko, who had accused the Indian Navy of being an agent of the Sri Lankan armed forces.

The statement had been issued to please somebody, he said. Although the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister had taken steps to protect fishermen, some parties supported the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, he added.

Just as the AIADMK and MDMK Members pleaded with the Speaker to ask Mr. Gnanasekaran not to deviate from the subject, the Congress MLA said Mr. Vaiko had dubbed the Chief Minister, "mouthpiece of Sri Lankan President Rajapaksa."

Sidetracking

Information Minister Parithi Ilamvazhuthi asked the AIADMK Members to explain why the previous Government detained Mr. Vaiko under the Prevention of Terrorism Act for 19 months. AIADMK deputy leader O. Panneerselvam said Mr. Gnanasekaran was sidetracking the issue.

Congress Legislature Party leader D. Sudarsanam made it clear that his party was keen on protecting the fishermen.

He requested the Speaker to ask the AIADMK Members not to interrupt.

"Ensure safety"

Mr. Gnanasekaran urged the Government to make arrangements to ensure the safety of fishermen.

D. Jayakumar (AIADMK), T. Velmurugan (Pattali Makkal Katchi), G. John Joseph (Communist Party of India-Marxist) and V. Sivapunniam (Communist Party of India) urged the Government to enhance ex gratia to next of kin of the deceased fishermen to Rs.5 lakh.

They also urged the Government to take necessary steps to prevent recurrence of attacks on fishermen.

The Chief Minister said he would ignore criticism against him.

However, the Centre might recall the action taken by the AIADMK regime against certain remarks made at a public meeting at Tirumangalam and ask what was wrong if they took action against the person who had dubbed the Indian Navy an agent of Sri Lankan Armed Forces, he added.