Amidst DMK ruckus over MLAs sting operation, GST bill passed in Tamil Nadu Assembly
Team Udayavani, Jun 14, 2017, 2:46 PM IST
Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Assembly saw a huge showdown between the ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) over the MLAs sting operation in today’s session, which was earlier being expected to be crucial for paving the way for the rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill on July 1.
Thought the bill was tabled in the Assembly and passed successfully, a ruckus was created when Opposition leader M.K. Stalin raised the issue of “cash for MLA” expose, carried out few days before by a Engligh news channel. Speaker P. Dhanapal refused to discuss the issue on the floor of the house as it was subjudice.
He further said the issue cannot be discussed also because there was no major proof to substantiate it as it only came out in the media. Following this, the DMK MLAs showed pamphlets written “MLAs for sale” over them as a mark of protest against the Speaker’s assertions. Dhanapal supported his statements by citing the Nira Radia tape case that happened in the DMK’s regime.
The Assembly came to a stalemate following which the policemen tried to take the protesting DMK MLAs out of the Assembly. The DMK MLAs then, led by Stalin, took to the streets to raise slogans against the AIADMK – ‘MLAs for Sale’.
A sting operation by an English news channel had revealed that all the AIADMK MLAs were lured in by cash and gold by the rival Sasikala camp to support Chief Minister Edapadi K. Palanisamy in the February trust vote conducted in Tamil Nadu Assembly.
Palanisamy won the trust vote held in the state assembly on the back of support offered by 122 AIADMK legislators. South Madurai MLA Saravanan, who had deflected to the OPS faction, admitted on camera that Sasikala camp offered him money between Rs. 2 crore to 6 crore for his support.
Meanwhile, AIADMK leader O. Panneerselvam has sought an explanation from his loyalist MLA S.S. Saravanan from AIADMK’s rival Sasikala faction. “Lawmaker Saravanan in the sting operation gave some explanation. We have demanded the same explanation from him,” O. Panneerselvam said.
State Finance Minster D. Jayakumar refused to give an explanation apart from saying, “Like you, I also watched the TV. I don’t know exactly what happened. The matter is pending before the court. Hence, it would be unwise to comment.”
The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) severely criticised the ruling AIADMK government over the matter alleging that the party’s inter-relationship was purchased and not natural.
Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.
Top News
Related Articles More
Mangaluru: Minor scuffle outside polling station at Capitanio
My family faces threat from strangers who filmed inside my house: Neha Hiremath’s father
Aranthodu: Pillion rider killed in car-motorbike collision
Siddaramaiah meets Neha Hiremath’s family, offers condolences
Lok Sabha Polls 2024: Bengaluru bigwigs cast votes early
MUST WATCH
Latest Additions
Don’t be swayed by diversionary tactics, come out and vote to protect democracy: Kharge to voters
Mangaluru: Minor scuffle outside polling station at Capitanio
My family faces threat from strangers who filmed inside my house: Neha Hiremath’s father
Indian-origin man shot, killed by San Antonio police amid attempts to apprehend him
Restored version of Shyam Benegal’s ‘Manthan’ to premiere at Cannes Film Festival