Unprecedented Security For Jayalalithaa's Speech After Clashes With DMK

Chennai: Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa is scheduled to tell Tamil Nadu lawmakers this morning about the government's plans to modernize the state's police force and combat crime.

Unprecedented security has been ordered for the 68-year-old's speech to prevent against protests by the opposition, enraged by action taken last week against its members.

Journalists and TV cameras have been removed from their usual spot.  A separate lane has been designated on the main road leading to the assembly for use by legislators.
 Tension zipped high last week among politicians in the state when nearly every single lawmaker from the main opposition party, the DMK, was evicted and suspended for a week for unruly behavior.  MK Stalin, who leads the DMK, was carried out by marshals or security guards. His party has said the action against its members -who objected to Mr Stalin being ridiculed by the ruling party - is totemic of Ms Jayalalithaa's determination to prevent the opposition from participating in important debates.

Police cases against 80 members of the DMK including Mr Stalin accused them of attempting to cause a riot. The DMK has challenged the action against its law-makers in court.  The one-week ban on them ends on Wednesday.