DMDK chief Vijayakanth suspended for 10 days

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Leader of the opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly Vijayakanth was on Thursday suspended for 10 days after the Privileges Committee went into the conduct of the DMDK leader during a heated exchange with Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa.

DMDK members, including Vijayakanth, were evicted from the House yesterday after a fiery verbal exchange between him and the Chief Minister who dubbed his conduct as 'obnoxious'. He had also made some gestures at the ruling AIADMK benches in the course of noisy scenes.

Speaker D Jayakumar had referred to the Privileges Committee the behaviour of Vijayakanth.

Privileges Committee Chairman and Deputy Speaker V. Dhanapal on Thursday tabled its report before the House which was moved as a resolution by Finance Minister and leader of the House O. Pannerselvam on which the opposition demanded a discussion.

However, no discussion was allowed and the House adopted the resolution even as DMDK members were up on their feet.

The Speaker said Vijayakanth was being suspended for 10 days in this session as well as the next as the ongoing session ends on February 4.

Soon, DMDK MLAs led by party's Deputy Leader S. Ramachandran staged a walkout raising slogans against the decision. DMK and Left party members also joined them in the walkout.

The Speaker ruled that Vijayakanth was not entitled for his salary and other perks during the suspension period.

The other members of DMDK did not face any action, he said, adding, they would not be spared if they persist with such behaviour.