TIRUNELVELI: Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker Prabhakar on Monday said he has been conducting the House in a neutral manner and would not “submit to any chit” or informal note while allowing members to speak or while running proceedings.
Speaking in Tirunelveli, he said his duty is to protect the dignity of all MLAs, and that decisions are taken strictly in line with legislative rules and established traditions. He added that he has been giving opportunities to first-time members to speak without party bias.
Referring to recent disruptions, Prabhakar said DMK MLAs were allotted more time each day, but during the Chief Minister’s reply they raised slogans and created disorder. He said holding placards inside the House was against rules, but he did not initiate action, adding that he would have allowed them to speak if they had sought a “point of order” calmly. He said the DMK whip Velu was given full opportunity to speak.
On the resignation issue involving four AIADMK MLAs, the Speaker said the matter is under examination and the preliminary inquiry has been completed. He said a date would be fixed for a proper, detailed and direct inquiry before a decision is taken.
He also said an explanation has been sought from the Assembly’s Privileges Committee on whether action should be taken against DMK MLA Markandeyan over allegations that he spoke in a manner that amounted to threatening the Chief Minister.
