DMK chief not to attend assembly over seating arrangement

DMK president M. Karunanidhi Thursday said he was not attending the state assembly session as there was no proper seating arrangement for the people like him, who were unwell.

Karunanidhi told reporters here that he came to the assembly after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam issued a statement asking him to attend the assembly session.

The 90-year-old, who is always in his wheel chair, said he came to the assembly expecting at least a seat but found that he could not even enter the assembly.

Karunanidhi said he had expected at least a separate chair for him to sit after several requests but it was not there.

"It seems the ruling party does not want me to participate in the assembly proceedings," he said.

In a statement, Karunanidhi said there were several pressing issues that are to be discussed in the assembly and three days of a session was not sufficient time for that.

Karunanidhi said the assembly should discuss issues like change in the state's chief minister, Karnataka's decision to build two dams across Cauvery river, Mullaperiyar dam, continuing power cuts, and hike in milk prices.