Date:11/04/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/11/stories/2008041153400400.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Assembly witnesses acrimonious scenes

Special Correspondent

Over a question raised by a Congress legislator

AIADMK members protest some observations of Minister
Speaker Avudaiappan expunges the references

CHENNAI: The Assembly witnessed acrimonious scenes during the question hour on Thursday over a query raised by Congress legislator K. Ghayathri Devi on the retrieval of encroached land of the famous Madurantakam “Eeri Katha Ramar” temple. K.R. Periyakaruppan, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister, said 76 acres of wet land of the temple had been encroached. As the Minister was giving details of the government action to recover the land, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam members, including the deputy leader of the Opposition, O. Paneerselvam, and the whip, K.A. Sengottaiyan, protested against some observations of Mr Periyakaruppan.

Mr. Paneerselvam said it was a long-standing practice that no charges be levelled against any individual or party during the question hour. The Leader of the House, K. Anbazhagan, and the Agriculture Minister, Veerapandi S. Arumugam, suggested that the observations be removed from the Assembly records. The HR&CE Minister said his reply was to a specific question. But, he did not accuse anyone. The Speaker R. Avudaiappan expunged the references.

Responding to an appeal of the Valparai legislator Kovai Thangam (Congress) for additional solatium to the family of the five-year-old Gayathri who was killed by a panther last week in his area, Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi condoled the death and said Rs. 1 lakh would be sanctioned.

Replying to a special calling attention notice given by legislators of the AIADMK, Congress and Pattali Makkal Katchi on the health problem suffered by people in five village panchayats in the Ottapidaram constituency following the supply of contaminated water, the Health Minister, M.R.K. Panneerselvam, said 141 persons complained of diarrhoea during March 28 and April 3. Except 10 persons who were admitted to the Tuticorin medical hospital college, others were treated at the local primary health centre and private hospitals.

The source point for the public water supply had been contaminated. Alternative arrangements had been made for the water supply, the Minister said.