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NT Bureau
Chennai, Mar 21:

        The budget session of the Tamilnadu Assembly begins tomorrow in the backdrop of a frenzied political atmosphere over a host of issues including the most sensitive Cauvery imbroglio.

        The assertion of PMK strongman Dr Ramadoss that his party would function as an effective opposition party and that it would be 'evident' in the State assembly and the never-ceasing demand of the Tamilnadu Congress Committee (TNCC) to be accommodated in the ministry would also have an add-on effect in the lengthy session of the assembly.

        As soon as the Assembly meets tomorrow at 9.30 am, obituary references would be made to former members Sundarambal, Malaikannan and Palanivelan. After a resolution to condole the death of a sitting MLA SV Shanmugam (AIADMK) the House would be adjourned.

        On 23 March, Finance Minister K Anbazhagan would present the budget and the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) would meet thereafter to decide on the dates on which demand for grants for various departments could be taken up. The session is likely to extend upto 40 days and is likely to end during the last week of April.

        The crucial issues that are likely to dominate the House would be the deadlocked Mullaiperiyar issue and the Cauvery tangle.

        While the AIADMK has been demanding immediate notification of the tribunal award, the PMK does not like the DMK's handling of many issues. The PMK has also criticised the party for not drafting a Common minimum programme in lines of the arrangement at the Centre.

        It is clear that the main opposition the AIADMK and its ally the MDMK would take on the government on all issues including the alleged mismanagement of free cycle scheme for students and scarcity in domestic gas supply and the spiralling rise of prices of essential commodities, the 'influence' of VAT (Value Added Tax) on the price rise.

        If the Left parties have their own agenda including opposition to the so called efforts of the government to privatise public transportation, the PMK would corner the government on issues like the Chennai airport expansion plan, Special economic zones, Satellite townships, prohibition policy and most importantly the Cauvery. The DMK on its part has already conducted a special meeting for its legislators to help understand the context and the strategy of the party, sources said.