Thiaga Rajan expresses apology for remarks

House witnesses heated exchange

A heated exchange between the ruling DMK and the main Opposition AIADMK in the Assembly on Tuesday was put to rest after Finance Minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan tendered an apology directed at V. Sampathkumar of the AIADMK. Speaker M. Appavu expunged certain remarks made by both parties on several occasions. During a general discussion on the revised Budget for 2021-22 and the agriculture budget, Mr. Sampathkumar (Harur) made certain remarks that were objected to by Mr. Thiaga Rajan, who in turn made certain remarks. After Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami objected to the Minister’s remarks, Leader of the House Duraimurugan intervened and suggested that the remarks from both sides be removed. Mr. Appavu expunged the remarks, but the matter did not end there. When Mr. Thiaga Rajan intervened during Mr. Sampathkumar’s speech to give an explanation, Mr. Palaniswami argued that the Minister was giving a lengthy explanation. Mr. Duraimurugan, however, said Ministers were free to choose the length of their explanations.