M.N.R. Balan of the Congress caused embarrassment to the government by staging a walkout as mark of protest to express his dissatisfaction over a reply given by the Chief Minister. Mr. Balan had sought a reply from the Tourism Minister on whether any permission had been given to a private player to operate boats at Chunnambar. Answering the question on behalf of the Tourism Minister, Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy said an in-principle approval had been given to the firm to operate boats as a pilot project. The Tourism Department had framed rules on involving private players in tourism projects. The rules had been sent to the Law Department for vetting. But the ruling party MLA walked out leaving the treasury benches red-faced.