TN: DMK boycotts MLA orientation programme; Speaker praises ‘Vijay model govt’

Chennai, June 16 (IANS) The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Tuesday stayed away from a two‑day orientation programme for Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) inaugurated by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay at Kalaivanar Arangam, even as Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar used the occasion to hail the present administration as a “Vijay Model Government.”

The workshop, organised for members of the 17th Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, aims to familiarise legislators with Assembly procedures, parliamentary conventions, and rules governing debates. Special focus has been placed on the 146 first‑time MLAs elected in the 2026 Assembly elections.

Despite the Speaker's invitation to all legislators, no DMK MLA attended the programme. The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)’s participation was also limited, with Sankarapuram MLA R. Rakesh as the lone representative.

Even MLAs from the AIADMK faction that had supported the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government during the trust vote remained absent. Communist Party and Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) legislators too skipped the event.

However, members of the ruling TVK attended in full strength, while alliance partners, including the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and Congress, were represented. Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) MLA Sowmiya Anbumani and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator M. Bhojarajan, both part of the AIADMK‑led alliance, also participated.

Legislators from the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) and Kongunadu Makkal Desiya Katchi (KMDK), constituents of the DMK‑led front, attended the sessions despite the DMK’s boycott.

In his address, Speaker Prabhakar said the programme was intended to help legislators understand the Assembly's functioning and uphold parliamentary standards. He explained that the purpose of the sessions was to guide members on what could be spoken in the House, what should be avoided and how debates must be conducted in a constructive and disciplined manner.

Making remarks with clear political significance, the Speaker described the current administration as a “Vijay Model Government” and said Chief Minister Vijay had established his political strength decisively through the electoral process.

Prabhakar also underscored the importance of parliamentary decorum by recalling his maiden Assembly speech in 1980. He recounted how former Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran had intervened during a heated debate to defend the spirit of his remarks, using the episode to emphasise restraint, responsible language and respect for legislative traditions.

Senior officials from the Finance, Law and Legislative Assembly departments conducted sessions on legislative procedures, Assembly practices and governance‑related matters. The orientation programme, which began on Tuesday, will conclude on Wednesday.