Chennai, Oct 17 : The monsoon session of the Tamil Nadu Assembly, which begins today, is likely to be stormy with the Opposition AIADMK determined to rake up the issues, including Chief Minister M Karunanidhi's anti-Ram remarks on the Ram Sethu.

Karunanidhi, a self claimed atheist, had recently said the existence of Lord Ram was a fallacy as tall as the Himalayas.

His comments have irked Hindu groups, already up in arms against the Central Government, over the controversial Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project (SSCP).

The Karunanidhi Government may also pass a resolution underlining the need for the immediate implementation of the project.

While the opposition AIADMK, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and several Hindu groups have opposed the project, the DMK has been pressing for its early implementation.

The project will dredge a channel in a narrow strip of sea between India and Sri Lanka, reducing distances and cutting costs for freight traffic for ships moving from Arabian Sea to Bay of Bengal.

However, Hindu groups have been opposing the 560 million dollars project, saying it would destroy the 'holy' Ram Sethu, a 48-kilometre chain of limestone shoals that once linked Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu to Mannar in Sri Lanka.

During the session, five bills, including those to replace the ordinances promulgated to provide 3.5 per cent reservation for minorities and amend the local body acts to restrict the use of 'no-confidence motion' against the elected heads of the local bodies, will also be approved.

The government’s new policy is likely to be announced during the session.

Besides, the issue of construction of buildings in alleged violation of rules in Kodanadu tea estate in which AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa is a partner, is also going to be taken up.

The Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) will also express its opposition to acquisition of farmlands which were acquired to set up Special Economic Zones and IT parks. (ANI)