Alagiri shows up, finally

Union Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister M K Alagiri, who has drawn flak for his perpetual absence from Parliament, showed up in Lok Sabha on Monday, the first time during the ongoing budget session. A HT report.

Union Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister M K Alagiri, who has drawn flak for his perpetual absence from Parliament, showed up in Lok Sabha on Monday, the first time during the ongoing budget session.

His attendance was, however, brief, as the house was adjourned over the phone-tapping charges. But his "guest appearance" has also come as a relief to the UPA government, which faces possible trial of strength in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday on cut motions by the opposition against duty hike on petroleum products and fertilisers prices.

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Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar has asked Alagiri to meet her to discuss what his problems are.

"I have told him to come and meet to discuss with me," Kumar told reporters.

Amid angry scenes in the Lok Sabha, Alagiri, son of Tamil Nadu chief minister M Karunanidhi, was seen chatting with party colleagues in the treasury benches.