Chennai: A sharp exchange unfolded in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Thursday between Chief Minister Vijay and Opposition Leader Udhayanidhi over questions raised by MLAs.
Udhayanidhi said a minister had alleged that more POCSO cases were registered during the opposition’s tenure. He also criticised the government for, in his view, shifting explanations on law-and-order issues after coming to power, and insisted the Chief Minister give direct answers instead of “diversions”.
Responding briefly after Udhayanidhi’s speech, CM Vijay said he would provide clear answers to all questions on Monday. He also asked, through the Speaker, that the opposition give a “promise” that no one would get up and run out of the House on that day, before leaving.
Udhayanidhi countered that people watching live had already seen who left after making the remark. He said the issue could have been avoided if the Chief Minister had conveyed this earlier, and urged the government to return prepared and provide explanations to the questions raised.
During the exchange, the Speaker remarked that the Chief Minister had already come prepared, to which Udhayanidhi responded that an answer could then be given immediately. Minister Rajmohan said a “quality reply” would be delivered by the Chief Minister.
