In the recently concluded Assembly Session, Tamil Nadu legislators had a lovely time with a friendly atmosphere prevailing in the House as the ministers showered gifts during the discussion on demands for grants to their ministries. From air coolers to mixers, the legislators received a variety of presents every day.

Representative image

Chennai:

The most unusual among them, however, was what minister P Benjamin was offering — jackfruits. It all started with DMK member Rajendran speaking about the delicious taste of jack fruits in his district Cuddalore. He stressed on setting up food processing industries there to better utilise the fruit.

Minister Benjamin, who replied to the demand, said that he knew that the jack fruits in Cuddalore were indeed delicious and promised that the government would consider his demand. That’s when deputy leader of Opposition Durai Murugan said, “When there was a discussion on Neera, the drink was given to all the members. Why not give jack fruits to the members as well?”

As the House burst into laughter, Benjamin promised to gift jackfruits to the legislators. But while everyone thought that the minister too was joking, on June 26, Benjamin surprised all the MLAs by sending the fruit directly to their rooms in the MLA hostel.

Despite being showered with fancier gifts, the fruit from Panrutti in Cuddalore won the legislators’ hearts.

—N Ravi Kumar, Chennai