Opposition wear black badges over ‘scarecrow’ remark

Following the ruckus created by the DMK members on Wednesday, who also staged a sit-in dharna inside the Assembly premises after Speaker P Dhanapal announced that the day’s proceedings had come to an end following closure of business hours, tight security arrangements were made in the Assembly premises on Thursday and more security personnel were deployed. The black badges worn by the DMK legislators had a slogan condemning the ruling party for his ‘scarecrow’ remarks. 

When the House assembled for the day, AIADMK member Senthamangalam C Chandrasekaran, during the Question Hour, referred to Wednesday’s incident and said opposition MLAs were not allowing the Assembly to function. The remarks sparked instant protest from DMK members and Leader of the Opposition M K Stalin pointed out an Assembly rule that said no accusations should be made during the Question Hour. He also urged the Speaker to expunge the remarks of Chandrasekaran and said, “Don’t make us to repeat the previous day happenings.” 

Noisy scenes were witnessed for a while, as the DMK members, who were on their feet, did not relent from their demand that the remarks should be expunged. Dhanapal said Chandrasekaran did not make any accusation, but only recalled yesterday’s incident. “Had he made any charge, I would have surely deleted it,” he said and urged the members of all parties not to make any allegations during Question Hour. However, the session continued only after the Speaker issued a stern warning to the Opposition.