Winning the trust vote gave him the crown of thorns, as there are a number of issues crying for Palanisamy’s attention, from agrarian crisis, drinking water supply and industrial investment to NEET bypass law
CHENNAI: Saturday’s victory of the official faction in the Assembly trust vote came as a major relief for new Chief Minister K Palanisamy. However, given the number of crises the State is grappling with, the road ahead is bound to be challenging.
One of the major issues the State is facing currently is the severe drought, which the Chief Minister himself described as ‘unprecedented in 140 years.’ The entire State is staring at an acute water shortage, crippling farm activity and drinking water supply to households.
“Drought and agrarian crisis must be addressed in a proactive manner to mitigate the woes of farmers and public,” opine experts. “An expert committee must be set up immediately to look into the drought. The committee members should visit affected areas and submit a report, based on which the State government must initiate measures,” said Dr Ramu Manivannan, Head, Department of Political Science and Public Administration, University of Madras.
According to ‘Mannargudi’ S Ranganathan, a crusader of Tamil Nadu’s rights in Cauvery river water, “The government should, in all sincerity, provide jobs through MGNREGS to the landless labourers who have lost their livelihood, so that their lives can be saved.” Since water remains a perennial issue haunting the State, which is located in a geographically disadvantageous position, lasting remedial measures would play a key role in tacking drought, an issue on which the newly-appointed CM should concentrate.
Another challenging task is reviving industrial investment and development. Dr Ramu Manivannan said. “The industrial investment and development has taken a hit given the prevailing conditions. The challenge for new CM is to instil confidence in investors and encourage investment without the fear of extraneous factors.”
On the political front, Palanisamy may face challenges within his party as a section of leaders are said to be miffed at his elevation. A virulent opposition - the DMK, unrelenting rebels, and a relatively conscious public would also test his skills in the days to come.