CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Assembly witnessed heated exchanges on Tuesday between former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam and the treasury benches, with a debate over the TVK government’s electoral promises quickly escalating into a personal confrontation over shifting political loyalties.
Initiating the discussion, Panneerselvam, who joined the DMK ahead of the Assembly elections, accused the Joseph Vijay-led government of failing to implement several key promises made to voters.
He particularly referred to the promised enhancement of the monthly financial assistance for women and the distribution of six free LPG cylinders annually.
Panneerselvam said people had voted for change with considerable expectations but were now disappointed with the government’s performance.
Leader of the House K.A. Sengottaiyan rejected the criticism, pointing out that the government had been elected for a five-year term and had sufficient time to fulfil its commitments.
The exchange soon took a political turn when Sengottaiyan questioned Panneerselvam’s criticism of an administration that had been in office for only three months.
Recalling Panneerselvam’s earlier observation that history could not be created within three months, Sengottaiyan challenged him to explain whether he had achieved such results during his own tenure.
He also questioned the description of the budget as disappointing, claiming that it had received appreciation from the public.
Sengottaiyan then took a swipe at Panneerselvam’s move to the DMK, saying a change in political alliance did not require him to “sing paeans” to his new leader.
Panneerselvam promptly hit back, reminding Sengottaiyan that he too had changed parties, moving from the AIADMK to Vijay’s TVK.
School Education Minister A. Rajmohan then drew attention to Sengottaiyan continuing to carry a photograph of former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa in his shirt pocket. He contrasted this with Panneerselvam, suggesting that his political shift had also resulted in a change in the photograph he carried.
Public Works and Sports Minister Aadhav Arjuna also praised Sengottaiyan for retaining Jayalalithaa’s photograph despite switching parties.
Panneerselvam responded that Periyar, C.N. Annadurai, M. Karunanidhi, M.G. Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa remained in his heart. He said he carried former CM M.K. Stalin’s photograph as an expression of gratitude for his struggle for Tamil Nadu’s rights.
Sengottaiyan maintained that his objection was to Panneerselvam’s criticism of the budget, noting that he had served as minister three times under Jayalalithaa.
As the exchanges intensified, the Speaker expunged certain remarks and urged members to return to the debate.
--IANS
