AIADMK boycotts Governor's address

The first session of newly constituted legislature in Tamil Nadu began on an acrimonious note on Wednesday, with the main opposition AIADMK boycotting the customary address by state Governor Surjit Singh Barnala.

Leading the walk-out, deputy leader of the AIADMK legislature party, KA Senkottiyan, said the DMK government had "deliberately withdrawn" the Z-plus security cover given to former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, who faced threats from militant organisations.

MDMK leader Vaiko was also being "intimidated", he added.

The law and order situation had deteriorated in the state and the AIADMK has decided to boycott the address, he said.

Senkottiayan also said the DMK government had not taken steps to implement its poll promises like two acres of land to landless labourers.

AIADMK MLAs shouted slogans and trooped out of the house condemning what they called "dictatorial DMK rule in the state".

The MDMK and the DPI also joined the AIADMK in the boycott.