Chief Minister Vijay Apologises After Minister Calls Karunanidhi Without Honorific
· India · India Today, NDTV, Times of India
Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay apologized in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Monday after Forest Minister R V Ranjith Kumar addressed former chief minister M Karunanidhi only by name, omitting the customary honorifics. The remark triggered immediate protests from the DMK, which declared it a breach of legislative decorum. The incident occurred during a debate on grant demands for the Health and Revenue departments, where Ranjith Kumar also criticised past cash‑for‑vote practices and the 'Thirumangalam formula'. Vijay stopped the minister’s speech, said he apologized on Karunanidhi’s behalf, and restored order in the house. The episode highlighted the strict protocol governing how senior officials are addressed in the Tamil Nadu Assembly.
Why it matters
The incident illustrates how sensitive political protocol is in Tamil Nadu and shows that deviations from decorum can quickly inflame opposition parties. It underscores the role of the chief minister in maintaining legislative order during heated debates.
Read the original report — India Today
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