CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly (TNLA) on Thursday paid its respects to those who died from consuming spurious liquor in Kallakurichi and the victims of the Kuwait blaze, which included seven from Tamil Nadu. Former legislators who had recently passed away such as DMK MLA N Pugazhenthi were also remembered.
Moments after the House sat for business at 10 am, Speaker M Appavu read out obituary references which were adopted in respect of 17 late MLAs including Erama Veerappan, R Indirakumari, and T Malaravan, following which the House observed a minute's silence in their honor.
Addressing the House, Speaker Appavu expressed shock over the deaths caused by illicit liquor, stressing that the state government is taking measures to curb its sale. He added that Chief Minister M K Stalin has initiated actions to provide medical treatment for the affected individuals.
Reading out the condolence resolution, Appavu conveyed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives in the Kuwait blaze and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
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Tributes were also paid to former lawmakers, including N Pugazhendhi of the Vikravandi assembly constituency and former MLA C Velayuthan.
The House was adjourned for the day without transacting any business for the day, with discussions on grant demands for various government departments set to commence Friday at 10 am, concluding ahead of the Vikravandi bypoll on June 29.
Commencement of the debate on demand for grants would likely be overshadowed by the hooch tragedy which claimed over 39 lives by noon Thursday. With the AIADMK-led opposition already going hammer and tongs against the ruling DMK over the second deadly hooch tragedy in the state in a little over a year, the treasury benches would have a tough time managing the floor and evading the barbs fired at them by the opposition.
(With PTI inputs)