Chennai, Aug 21:
A heated exchange broke out in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Friday between Opposition Leader Udhayanidhi Stalin and ministers of the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), with sharp arguments over alleged corruption files, the Chief Minister’s decision-making and live telecast of Assembly proceedings.
During his speech, Udhayanidhi alleged that ruling party MLAs and ministers were making accusations without evidence. Taking a dig at Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, he asked whether files placed before the Chief Minister would be opened only after consulting an astrologer.
“Let the Chief Minister open the files relating to corruption and take immediate action if there is evidence,” Udhayanidhi said, challenging Vijay to act on the allegations.
He also questioned why Assembly proceedings were not being telecast live as promised in the 2021 election manifesto. Udhayanidhi said the Opposition would not be intimidated by what he described as threats and “empty rhetoric” and urged the government to take action if it had evidence.
Minister Aadhav countered Udhayanidhi’s criticism, claiming that the DMK lacked the courage to conduct the Assembly in a transparent manner. Referring to white papers issued by the Highways and Public Works departments, he said action would be taken in accordance with law.
He also questioned why the Assembly proceedings were not being telecast live as promised in the 2021 manifesto and said the TVK government had no fear of allowing the proceedings to be seen by the public.
Minister Anand defended the Chief Minister, saying Vijay takes decisions independently without consulting anyone. Referring to a comment allegedly made by an elderly person, he said, “We don’t watch serials; we watch the live Assembly proceedings.”
Minister Nirmal Kumar also hit back at Udhayanidhi’s reference to astrology, saying Tamil Nadu had already witnessed the practice of wearing a yellow shawl after consulting astrologers.
Responding to the ministers, Udhayanidhi said the replies from the ruling benches were surprising and reiterated his challenge to the Chief Minister.
He said the term “astrologer” was not an objectionable word and alleged that the TVK government itself had appointed and later removed a person associated with astrology from a government position.
Udhayanidhi further claimed that portions removed from the Assembly records had appeared on television and were circulating as reels on social media.
He again challenged the Chief Minister to open the files before him and take action if there was evidence of wrongdoing. He also cautioned ministers against using “cinema-style punch dialogues” inside the Assembly.
The Speaker intervened during the heated exchanges, saying references such as “Super Singer” were unnecessary while criticising Udhayanidhi’s description of the Assembly proceedings.
Minister Rajmohan subsequently urged the Speaker to ensure that cameras showed the actions of Opposition members as well. Following the request, the proceedings showed the members on the screens.
The Speaker later warned that action would be taken against those who publish visuals removed from the official Assembly proceedings on social media, adding another flashpoint to the tense session.