Why is Captain shying away from Assembly?

CHENNAI: The State Assembly on Friday witnessed a brief verbal duel between a couple of Ministers and the DMDK members over the continued absence of Leader of Opposition, Vijaykanth, even after the end of his 10-day suspension period.It all began when DMDK member V Muthukumar started his speech on the demands for grants for Public Works Department and Highways and Minor Ports Department by saying “I thank Captain, who is an ‘anja nenjan’ (brave heart).” Reacting, Finance Minister O Panneerselvam asked if his leader was really a brave heart, why he had been shying away from the proceedings of the House. This drew sharp reaction from the DMDK members.DMDK whip V C Chandirakumar said Vijaykanth’s petition before the Madras High Court challenging his suspension from the House was pending. He would attend the House only after the verdict was pronounced.Countering, AISMK founder R Sarathkumar asked: “What will happen if the case drags on for five years (the full term of the present Assembly)? People had elected the members to serve them by attending the proceedings of the House.”Panneerselvam said the DMDK chief has acted in an improper manner in the House and the suspension period has already been over. “Why can’t he attend the proceedings now,” he asked.Deputy Leader of Opposition S Ramachandran said not turning up for the House proceedings does not mean that the member is afraid of the proceedings.