The conciliatory tone between Leader of Opposition MK Stalin and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa seems to be coming to an end. A row has now broken out over lack of seating facilities for DMK Chief M Karunanidhi.
In the current asembly session. Karunanidhi has been given a seat in the second row of the assembly. While some have called this disrespectful to the veteran leader, MK Stalin addressed a press conference saying it was impossible for his father to sit in the second row owing to the wheelchair.
"When we asked where place was available for Karunanidhi, a seat was relegated to the second row. It is impossible for him being on a wheelchair, to sit in the second row. We have asked the speaker to provide the required facility," he said.
This is not new. Previously in 2014, DMK chief and Tamil Nadu Leader of the Opposition Karunanidhi had said he did not attend assembly sessions because the assembly building was not “disabled-friendly” and added that he would attend the House regularly if there was proper seating arrangement.This was when the assembly met after AIADMK chief and former CM J Jayalalithaa stepped down following her conviction in a disproportionate assets case in September.
Then Chief Minister O Panneerselvam had challenged the DMK chief to attend the session.
“Usually in Rajya Sabha and other Houses, there would be separate arrangement for members who are physically disabled. Panneerselvam dared me to attend the session despite the fact that there is no arrangement to ensure my entry in wheelchair,” Karunanidhi said to press in 2014. Karunanidhi left the assembly after signing the register.