Chennai, Sep 7 (IANS) The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly is expected to witness a heated sitting on Monday as Chief Minister Joseph Vijay is scheduled to respond to the Opposition's allegations over the law-and-order situation in the state. The House will reconvene at 9.30 a.m. after a three-day break on September 4, 5 and 6. Speaker J.C.D Prabhakar has announced that there will be no Question Hour. However, the government is scheduled to introduce an amendment Bill before taking up other listed business. The Assembly had earlier witnessed an intense debate on the demands for grants for the Police and Fire and Rescue Services departments -- both held by the Chief Minister. Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin and AIADMK legislature party leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami strongly criticised the government's handling of law and order. 

Udhayanidhi alleged that Tamil Nadu had moved into "reverse gear" during the first 116 days of the new government. He claimed that nearly 550 criminal incidents had been reported during this period, including about 200 murders, more than 300 cases of sexual assault, eight police-related deaths and 10 suspected honour killings. Palaniswami also accused the government of failing to curb murders and robberies. He alleged that offences targeting women and children had risen since the new administration assumed office. Intervening during the debate, CM Vijay said he would provide a detailed reply to every question raised by opposition members. The Chief Minister also challenged the DMK legislators to remain in the House and listen to his response instead of staging a walkout. With CM Vijay now preparing to answer the charges, the sitting is likely to produce sharp exchanges between the treasury and opposition benches. The Chief Minister is also expected to announce additional measures relating to policing, public safety and fire and rescue services. After his reply, the Assembly will take up demands for grants concerning the Forest, Commercial Taxes, Stamps and Registration, Environment and Climate Change departments. Ministers handling these portfolios will respond to the debate and announce new initiatives. The current Assembly session has continued for 18 days, with debates on government spending and departmental performance dominating proceedings. Monday's sitting is being closely watched as Vijay's response is expected to set the tone for the concluding phase of the session.

/IANS