Chennai: AIADMK MLA and a supporter of party deputy general secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran on Thursday clashed with finance and fisheries minister D. Jayakumar in the Assembly to the amusement of the DMK members who were watching it delightedly.

After the end of question hour, Perambur MLA P.Vetrivel, a Dhinakaran supporter said a fish auction centre had been opened at Kasimedu harbour. Thousands of people especially women and traders visit the place everyday but there is no protection.

The centre should be shifted to the earlier place in the area, he said and added that fishermen from the area are making the demand.

Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami should meet the people and take steps to shift the centre to the earlier place.

Jayakumar, replying to the demand said the new harbour at Kasimedu had been constructed at a cost of Rs. 90 crores. A modern auction centre had been built inside the harbour at an estimate of Rs 20 crores.

The centre had been inaugurated by former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, he pointed out and asked if the member thought that a centre opened by Amma should be closed.

All safety measures had been taken at the new centre, he said and added that he had no ulterior motive in denying the demand.

He said 90 per cent of fishermen were using it and all facilities including freezer, CCTV camera and police protection had been provided in the centre.

The distance between the earlier centre and the new one is only 50 metres, he said and there is no need to fear about the safety. He also pointed out that a case on the centre is pending in the court and there would be a good decision on the matter.