CM Stalin criticised the AIADMK during the Assembly debate, stating that the party, having lost public trust, was now trying to undermine Speaker Appavu's credibility by questioning his integrity
Published Mar 17, 2025 | 4:11 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 17, 2025 | 4:11 PM
Chief Minister Stalin defends Speaker M Appavu as AIADMK’s no-confidence motion fails
Synopsis: Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin defended Assembly Speaker M Appavu against the AIADMK’s no-confidence motion, which accused him of bias towards the DMK. On 17 March, the motion was defeated with 154 votes against and 63 in support. AIADMK alleged that Appavu was partial and failed to maintain neutrality in his role, but the motion was unsuccessful
A no-confidence motion moved by the Opposition AIADMK against Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker was defeated by 91 votes in the House on Monday, 17 March.
The motion accused Speaker Appavu of bias, alleging he acted as a DMK sympathiser in the Assembly.
However, the motion was decisively defeated, with 154 members voting against it and only 63 in support.
The AIADMK moved the no-confidence motion, accusing Speaker Appavu of partiality in favour of the ruling DMK.
The party alleged that Appavu had been biased in his conduct and failed to maintain the neutrality expected of his position.
During the Assembly debate, Chief Minister MK Stalin strongly criticised the AIADMK for questioning the Speaker’s integrity. He stated that it was the party, which had lost public trust, that was now attempting to undermine the Speaker’s credibility.
Stalin reminded the Assembly of a similar motion filed against the Speaker in 2017, contrasting the actions of the previous administration with the current one.
Stalin emphasised that under Speaker Appavu’s leadership, the Assembly has operated with dignity and impartiality. He highlighted Appavu’s transition from teaching to politics and how he balanced firmness with kindness, qualities essential for presiding over legislative matters.
The chief minister further asserted that Appavu had upheld democratic principles by allowing opposition members to voice their opinions while maintaining order and discipline in the Assembly.
Stalin pointed out that, unlike previous instances, the Speaker maintained neutrality and did not suppress opposing voices.
Stalin also reiterated the commitment of the Dravidian Model government, inspired by the vision of former chief minister M Karunanidhi, to provide adequate opportunities for the opposition to engage in governance.
He reaffirmed his full support for Speaker Appavu and dismissed the allegations made by the AIADMK as baseless and unfounded.
In the final vote, the AIADMK’s no-confidence motion was decisively defeated, securing the Speaker’s position.
The AIADMK’s failed attempt to remove the Speaker underscores the ongoing tensions between the ruling DMK and opposition parties in the state. Despite the defeat, the motion highlighted the ongoing political rivalry between the two factions.
(Edited by Ananya Rao with inputs from Subash Chandra Bose)
