Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay apologised in the Assembly after Forest Minister RV Ranjith Kumar referred to former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi by name without using the customary honorifics. The remark led to protests from DMK members over the issue of Assembly decorum.
The incident occurred during a discussion on the demands for grants for the Health and Revenue departments. While speaking about alleged cash-for-votes practices in earlier elections, Ranjith Kumar referred to the “Thirumangalam formula” and claimed that money had been distributed to voters in the past.
During his speech, the minister mentioned Karunanidhi without terms such as “Kalaignar” or “former Chief Minister”. DMK members, led by former minister KKSSR Ramachandran, objected to the reference.
Vijay intervened and acknowledged that the former Chief Minister had been addressed in an inappropriate manner. “I apologise on his behalf,” he said.
His quick intervention helped ease tensions in the House, allowing the Assembly proceedings to continue.
The episode highlighted the importance of respect, dignity and parliamentary decorum while referring to senior political leaders.