CHENNAI: A rare moment of camaraderie swept across the political divide in Tamil Nadu assembly on Monday as members from both the treasury and opposition benches broke into laughter over a suggestion to change the practice of giving water to members in tumblers. The light-hearted exchange began when former chief minister O Panneerselvam disagreed with DMDK legislator Premallatha Vijayakanth’s suggestion that bottles of water be distributed instead of serving water in tumblers. Panneerselvam rose to state that while it seemed like a good idea, it might pose a safety risk given the potential for the bottles to be hurled at others.Seizing the moment, former minister Thangam Thennarasu jokingly intervened, asking if Panneerselvam’s apprehensions were borne out of personal experience — an allusion to the June 2022 general council meeting where the latter was targeted with pet water bottles by supporters of AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami. The quip triggered widespread laughter across the floor. Quick to respond, Premallatha noted how refreshing it was to see the members laughing, noting that the humour brought a welcome calming effect to a House that had been gripped by tension earlier over the Mekedatu dispute. She added, however, that if anyone were truly determined, any object could be weaponised but expressed faith that every member present ultimately upholds the dignity of the House.
