TVK legislator JCD Prabhakar was unanimously elected as Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker today. Pro-Tem Speaker M V Karuppaiah announced Mr Prabhakar’s election after Chief Minister Joseph Vijay proposed his name, which was seconded by party’s floor leader, K.A. Sengottaiyan. TVK MLA RaviShankar from Thoraiyur constituency was also unanimously elected Deputy Speaker.
Later, addressing the House, Chief Minister Joseph Vijay said all parties should be given equal opportunity to speak in the Assembly, irrespective of their strength.
He appealed to the Opposition to ensure healthy discussions and said the government would work for the welfare of all people. Opposition leader and DMK MLA Udhayanidhi Stalin said that Tamil Nadu should emerge as a model in governance and public service. Members also demanded live telecast of the Assembly proceedings.
The lone MLA from the TTV Dhinakaran-led AMMK party, S. Kamaraj while appreciating the Speaker, said that he will support the TVK Government. The party was in alliance with the NDA when it faced the elections.
The Speaker also allowed AIADMK breakaway faction leader S. P. Velumani to speak in the Assembly. Thirty AIADMK MLAs have elected him as the leader of the legislature party, while former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami has reportedly secured the support of 17 MLAs.
BJP MLA M. Bhojarajan said the state government should work in coordination with the Centre for the welfare and development of the people.
Speaking in the House, newly elected Speaker JCD Prabhakaran said the Chair would function in a balanced manner and ensure equal opportunities for all parties.
He assured members that the Assembly would function strictly according to established rules. He also announced plans to digitalise the Speaker’s office and promote a paperless work culture. The House was later adjourned till tomorrow.
Meanwhile, the TVK government is scheduled to prove its majority in the Assembly during the floor test tomorrow.
In another development, the Madras High Court restrained TVK MLA Seenivasa Sethupathi from participating in any floor motion, including the proposed floor test, in connection with a plea over a disputed postal vote in Tiruppattur constituency.
