EPS who did not have confidence in CBI now demanding CBI inquiry: Stalin

CHENNAI: AIADMK members led by their general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Tuesday walked out of the state assembly over the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy, demanding a CBI probe.
Assembly speaker M Appavu suspended them for the second day. Chief minister M K Stalin said INDIA Bloc’s 40/40 victory in Tamil Nadu for the Lok Sabha polls had upset the AIADMK, making them act in such a manner.
The chief minister, who addressed the house after the AIADMK’s walkout, said opposition leader Palaniswami had obtained a stay on a Madras high court order for a CBI probe against him (EPS). “If he (EPS) had confidence in the CBI, he should have accepted the challenge. Today they are seeking a CBI probe into this incident (liquor tragedy),” the CM said.
The CM said he had given a clear explanation on the steps taken. All the parties discussed the Kallakurichi incident for more than an hour. The AIADMK should have stayed and participated in the debate. They also violated the assembly rule that discussions should be held only after the question hour, said Stalin.
“I ordered a CB-CID probe; constituted a one-man commission led by Justice B Gokuldas; asked DGP to submit a report; 20 people were arrested; ensured illicit liquor eradication drive continued; announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh for each bereaved family; bore educational expenses of orphaned children and district collector was transferred, all this within 24 hours,” he said.
Stalin recalled he had requested speaker M Appavu to permit AIADMK members to return to the house and participate in the proceedings on June 20. Even after that they continued their protests to cause chaos, said Stalin. “You take a call,” he told the speaker before ending his speech.
When DMK floor leader K N Nehru sought suspension of AIADMK members for the remaining session of the assembly, Stalin intervened to say a day’s suspension would do.