The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government in Tamil Nadu has decided to revive the Upper House of the state Assembly, which was abolished 20 years ago.

Governor Surjit Singh Barnala, in his inaugural address to the Assembly on Wednesday, said that steps will be taken for the necessary constitutional amendment to revive the Legislative Council.

The ruling DMK, in its manifesto, had promised to revive the Upper House, which was abolished in 1986 during the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's rule under M G Ramachandran.

The Council was abolished soon after a nominated member Veniradai Nirmala, a film actress, could not take oath as she was declared insolvent by a court.

Chief Minister M Karunanidhi was a member of the Council then and chances of the DMK winning more seats reserved for local bodies in the Upper House had become bright as the party had won a large number of seats in civic polls.