SALEM: Opposition leader M K Stalin’s disinformation campaign is a fallout of his inability to come to power, said Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami at Omalur Rural District Party Office here on Saturday.
The Chief Minister was on a two-day visit to Salem. Lashing out at Stalin, Palaniswami said that the former was not even qualified to function as an active opposition leader.
Refuting the allegations that he had issued tenders of major works to his relatives, Palaniswami said, “We are following similar norms as was done by the DMK government for awarding tenders. I did not provide any tender to my family or relatives. Moreover, there is no such scope as tenders are issued online.”
Taking a dig at DMK, he added, “In 2006, for laying roads, the DMK spent Rs 12 crore per kilometre. However, now they have filed a case against the present government mentioning that Rs 2.20 crore is enough for laying roads of similar span. In 2008, they spent 77 per cent more funds than was allotted. I have discussed the matter with legal experts. Soon, action will be taken against them.”
Talking about the present tender norms, he said, “The present tender mandates that roads should be maintained for ten years. Apart from this, the National Highways Commission is permitting Rs 25 crore per kilometre.”
When asked about the current Sabarimala issue, the chief minister refrained from sharing his opinion on the apex court verdict. On measures against dengue, he said that the government has been taking precautionary measures to protect people.
Informing that the Seventh Pay Commission’s recommendation has been implemented by his government, the chief minister claimed that compared to other states, his government is the best.
“TN government spent over Rs 14,719 crore for implementing the Seventh Pay Commission’s recommendation,” he added.