Tamil Nadu Assembly Witnesses Banter Over Snakebites and Rationalism

The Tamil Nadu Assembly in Chennai witnessed lighthearted banter on Wednesday over Nagadosham (serpent curses) and Jaladosham (common cold) after former DMK member and Chief Minister O Panneerselvam jokingly suggested that a recent spate of snakebites across the state was linked to celestial curses.

Panneerselvam raised the issue on the floor of the House, highlighting a string of snakebite incidents across several constituencies. He playfully claimed that many regions were likely suffering from Nagadosham caused by displeased serpents and urged the state health department to organise government-sponsored temple rituals to ward off the curse.

Health Minister K G Arunraj dismissed the astrological explanation, stating that the administration relies on medical science rather than planetary alignments. Declining to allocate health budget funds for appeasement rituals, the minister remarked that the only widespread ailment currently tracked by officials is the common cold (Jaladosham) rather than Nagadosham.

When Panneerselvam offered to provide a team of ritual experts to assist the health ministry, Public Works and Sports Minister Aadhav Arjuna intervened. Arjuna reminded the Assembly of Tamil Nadu's foundation in the rationalist principles of Periyar, emphasising that the government resolves problems through rationalism rather than incantations.

Leader of the Opposition DMK Udhayanidhi Stalin clarified that Panneerselvam had made a playful remark aimed at DMK Deputy Leader K N Nehru, who was unwell with a severe cold.

Assembly Speaker J C D Prabhakar concluded the debate by advising Panneerselvam to take precautions against catching a cold himself. The exchange drew laughter from both Treasury and Opposition benches.