CHENNAI: Pandemonium broke out in the Assembly on Monday as DMK members stormed the Well, shouting slogans after Speaker J C D Prabhakar denied Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin permission to respond to corruption charges levelled by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay against the previous DMK govt, former chief minister M K Stalin, Udhayanidhi and several former ministers.The protest eventually ended in a walkout, with Udhayanidhi later telling mediapersons outside the House that the CM had levelled “baseless charges” against the DMK govt and the former CM, but the Speaker refused to allow the Opposition to respond to them.The CM commenced his speech at about 9.33 am, elaborating on various measures taken by his govt to maintain law and order and ensure transparent and corruption-free governance. The situation, however, turned chaotic at about 9.55 am when he sharpened his attack on the previous DMK govt and levelled charges against its former chief ministers and ministers.He recalled the Sarkaria Commission and referred to reports of the Enforcement Directorate and Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption wing, alleging corrupt practices during the DMK regime. He also cited remarks made by DMK legislators and party functionaries at party meetings and political stages.Protesting against the CM’s remarks, Udhayanidhi and other DMK MLAs stood up from their seats. The LOP sought permission to intervene and respond to the charges levelled against him, the former CM and the previous govt. However, Vijay continued his speech.He said the LOP and ministers had challenged him to open files relating to three departments that were on his table. Calling it only a “sample”, he went on to read out portions of ED and DVAC reports alleging corruption. He also alleged that former CM Stalin, his son and then deputy CM Udhayanidhi were direct beneficiaries of the “party fund”.“This is what the reports say, and what a great achievement,” he said.The CM continued his speech amid loud sloganeering by DMK legislators, who displayed pamphlets and repeatedly demanded that the Speaker allow Udhayanidhi to respond to the charges.With no response forthcoming from the Speaker, who did not turn towards the Opposition benches, DMK legislators entered the Well of the House. Some MLAs sat in the Well to register their protest. The Speaker, in turn, said they had brought posters and pamphlets into the House without his permission.“The people are watching the live stream. The intention of the DMK members is to prevent the CM from delivering his reply. But the CM has accomplished his reply and completed his speech,” the Speaker said.Even as the Opposition continued to demand that Udhayanidhi be allowed to speak, the Speaker initially refused, saying he could not bend to pressure from the Opposition. After some time, however, he said the CM had requested him to allow the LOP to speak and that he would consider the request.On hearing this, the DMK legislators returned to their seats, apparently expecting that Udhayanidhi would be given an opportunity to respond. However, the Speaker subsequently denied him permission to speak, prompting the DMK members to stage a walkout in protest.
