After the leader of opposition MK Stalin sparked a controversy over the seating arrangement of DMK leader M Karunanidhi, Finance Minister O Pannerselvam has said that it was an effort to cover up the reported rift between father and son.   

“The difference of opinion between Karunanidhi and Stalin has been out in the media for the past many days. To cover this up and save face, Stalin is now attempting to level false charges,” said Panneerselvam, according to The New Indian Express.

Earlier, a team of DMK MLAs had met Speaker P Dhanapal and explained that the seat which was allotted to Karunanidhi was not conducive for the easy movement of his wheelchair. During the meeting, reportedly J Anbazhagan spoke disrespectfully to the speaker and he was not stopped by Stalin, Panneerselvam asked, “Is it the way Stalin is safeguarding the tradition of the house?"

Stalin had responded to it by saying that most of the responses from the speaker were not satisfactory. On the other end, Panneerselvam said that all the arrangements were made to enable Karunanidhi to attend the session. He said that Kaunanidhi had come to the House in wheelchair and took the oath on May 25. Considering that, the present seat was given to him.