Chennai: A sharp exchange unfolded in the Tamil Nadu Assembly during the debate on grant demands, with Minister Ramesh calling for Opposition leader Udhayanidhi to be taught legislative decorum.
The issue arose after Minister Ranjith referred to the name of Karunanidhi, prompting objections. DMK MLA and former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam (OPS) said members should safeguard the dignity of the House.
Responding, Minister Ramesh said OPS, as a senior member, had earlier guided the House on maintaining dignity and that first-time members were ready to learn. He added that the Chief Minister had already expressed views aligned with the principles of duty, dignity and discipline.
Ramesh then appealed to OPS to also teach Udhayanidhi “a little” dignity, stating that when the Chief Minister enters the Assembly, the Opposition leader should show due respect.
DMK MLAs protested the remarks, leading to commotion. DMK MLA K N Nehru said there was no need to suggest that the Opposition leader be “taught,” adding that even when Stalin was Chief Minister, the Opposition leader did not always stand and it was a matter of personal choice, not a fault.
