Former Minister M.R.K. Panneerselvam sparks lively exchanges in Tamil Nadu Assembly
He says that in the past, he would relax only after 8 a.m. because his leader, Kalaignar [M. Karunanidhi], would call him up early in the morning. “You [the Ministers] seem very relaxed,” he says. Minister for Water Resources N. Anand responds that Mr. Vijay will call him up and other Ministers even about repairing a vaikal (canal) and ask whether the work has been completed
On August 10, 2026, the Tamil Nadu Assembly was filled with playful banter as former Minister M.R.K. Panneerselvam engaged in spirited exchanges with current Ministers, including Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. Panneerselvam humorously pointed out that Vijay had once advised DMK members to read newspapers before commenting on issues, implying that Vijay himself had a habit of doing the same.
He shared that under the previous DMK government led by M.K. Stalin, Ministers had remained on edge due to Stalin's frequent questions about their departmental affairs after consuming news from newspapers and television channels. Panneerselvam noted that he himself only relaxed after 8 a.m., when his leader, Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi, would call him early in the morning.
He observed that the current Ministers appeared relaxed. When discussing water resource management, Water Resources Minister N. Anand mentioned how Vijay would call him regarding canal repairs. Panneerselvam appreciated the ministers' laid-back demeanor and expressed pride in the fact that, during the past five years of DMK rule, farmers had not staged any protests.
Law Minister Nirmal Kumar contended that the DMK government had instead invoked the Goondas Act against farmers, alleging suppression and pending cases. Panneerselvam countered that these cases were related to land acquisition for SIPCOT projects, not directly tied to farmers' issues. Leader of the House K.A. Sengottaiyan intervened when Panneerselvam claimed that his colleague K.N.
Nehru was also a farmer. Sengottaiyan reminded that there was a land ceiling Act. The Chief Minister smiled when Panneerselvam referred to Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department Ramesh as the "Swami Minister." Ramesh playfully noted that Panneerselvam had become adept at crafting cinematic narratives. The Chief Minister, who often inspected the House before proceedings began, greeted colleagues and staff as he made his way back to his seat.
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