SALEM: Denying the possibility of changing the portfolios of ministers, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami has rejected reports of a proposed Cabinet reshuffle.
The Chief Minister was talking to a herd of reporters here after inaugurating the Summer Festival at Yercaud on Saturday.
He exuded confidence on the merger, citing the ongoing talks with AIADMK (Puraitchi Thalaivi Amma) faction. Regarding reports about Scheduled Caste MLAs grouping up, he said they were baseless reports and there was no discrimination on caste or communal lines in the AIADMK.
Earlier at the inaugural function, he came down heavily on people running a ‘malicious campaign’ to sabotage the government’s efforts to install a portrait of the late chief minister J Jayalalithaa in the Assembly. “What is wrong in installing the portrait of a leader who has found a distinct place in the minds of the people?”
“Those who oppose the move should consider visiting her memorial on the Marina, where hundreds make a beeline for paying homage to their departed leader. To install the portrait of a leader, who was elected as chief minister thrice, in the Assembly would only elevate its status and pride.” He said if needed, the government would take legal recourse to get the portrait installed.
Rebutting DMK leader M K Stalin’s allegations on Kudimaramathu scheme, Palaniswami said that the project had launched desiliting programme with a farmer-centric approach. “Hundred per cent storage of rainwater is the goal we aim to achieve and `100 crore had been allocated. In the first phase, 1,510 lakes have been taken up. In the next phase, 2,065 lakes at an outlay of `300 crore will be taken up. Desilting of the Mettur Dam would begin on Sunday, which is also part of farmer-centric vision.”
“The DMK criticised MGR’s noon meal scheme only to add eggs to the menu when it came to power. Stalin’s own initiative to desilt waterbodies is welcome and only proves that he has accepted the usefulness of the programme.”
Hailing Salem for emerging as one of the frontline districts, he highlighted the funds allocated for various projects along with the strides in infrastructure development. Later, he received petitions from the public at his home.