Suspension of DMK leader Duraimurugan: DMK finds support from DMDK

CHENNAI: DMK today found support from DMDK in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on the issue of suspension of its leader Duraimurugan, with the main opposition party demanding revocation of the action.

DMDK whip V Chandrakumar made the plea during a discussion on the budget, which was preceded by the eviction of DMK members on the same issue.

Earlier, DMK tried to raise the issue but Finance Minister and Leader of the House, O Panneerselvam ruled out any discussion, saying the action against Duraimurugan was taken following the Privileges Commitee recommendation where DMK is also represented and its views heard on the matter.

However DMK members did not relent and remained standing with some of them trooping near the Speaker's Chair. With his repeated pleas asking them to resume their seats going unheeded, Speaker P Dhanapal directed the Marshals to evict the slogan-shouting DMK MLAs.

Later, Chandrakumar sought revocation of the action against Duraimurugan.

Duraimurugan, the party's deputy floor leader, was suspended yesterday for five days by the Speaker following a report by Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Committee, 'Pollachi' V Jayaraman.

Municipal Administration Minister K P Munusamy had raised the issue in the Assembly on some remarks by DMK Legislative Party Wing Leader M K Stalin and Duraimurugan during their media interaction in October last. Stalin was let off with a warning.