DMK chief and Tamil Nadu Leader of the Opposition Karunanidhi on Thursday said he did not attend assembly sessions because the assembly building was not “disabled-friendly” and added that he would attend the House regularly if there was proper seating arrangement. Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Sunday had challenged the DMK chief to attend the session. “Usually in Rajya Sabha and other Houses, there would be separate arrangement for members who are physically disabled. He (the CM) dared me to attend the session despite the fact that there is no arrangement to ensure my entry in wheelchair,” Karunanidhi said. He added that he is pained as he cannot fulfil his duties as an opposition leader at the assembly. On Thursday, Karunanidhi left the assembly after signing the register. This was the first time the assembly met after AIADMK chief and former CM J Jayalalithaa stepped down following her conviction in a disproportionate assets case in September. Since October. the opposition had been demanding that the assembly be convened. However, the CM said there was no urgency to convene the House.
