‘Sorry, I apologize on his behalf’; Vijay tenders apology in assembly

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay apologised in the assembly following a controversy over the disrespectful reference to former chief minister M Karunanidhi’s name. Chief Minister Vijay intervened and apologised after the DMK protested against a remark made by Forest Minister R V Ranjith Kumar.

The minister referred to Karunanidhi without using the customary honorific ‘Kalaignar’ during a debate on the demands for grants for the health and revenue departments. DMK members strongly protested the remark. The minister’s remarks were while criticising election practices in the past. He also alleged that as much as Rs 1,500 was paid per vote in the Kanchipuram constituency during previous elections.

As the protests intensified, Chief Minister Vijay intervened personally, acknowledged that the remark was inappropriate, and apologised in the Assembly on behalf of the minister.

‘I apologise on his behalf’, Chief Minister Vijay said.