KRISHNAGIRI: Clearly alluding to rebel leader TTV Dhinakaran, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami likened him to a fox shepherding a bunch of legislators. By saying so, he tried to drive a wedge between the rebels and draw a few MLAs to his side. The Chief Minister also tore into the opposition for scheming the downfall of the current dispensation by fomenting trouble. Palaniswami was in the town to take part in the AIADMK founder M G Ramachandran’s birth centenary celebrations at the Government Arts College for Men, on Saturday.
“Opposition parties are fomenting trouble to grab power. However, their scheming would not yield the desired results as long as people support the government formed by J Jayalalithaa, who dedicated her life for the welfare of the people,” the CM pointed out.
Tearing into the statement of DMK working president M K Stalin, questioning the contribution of Jayalalithaa towards the welfare of the people, he said, “Before 2011, students admission level in higher education was 21 per cent, but ever since her coming to power, the numbers rose to 44.3 per cent. She struggled to get the final award of the Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal notified and fought for Tamil Nadu’s right in the Mullperiyar dam row.”
It was during her tenure that 33,589 projects worth Rs 8, 312 crore were inaugurated and foundation stones were laid for Rs 3,130 crore worth 6,555 projects, he pointed out, questioning what had the DMK done during their stint at the helm of affairs. Clarifying that the friendly relationship with the Centre would benefit the State, the CM said that owing to efforts of his government, a good response in constituting Cauvery Water Management Board was expected.
Deputy CM O Panneerselvam said that person who were unable to oppose MGR during his lifetime were now opposing the centenary celebration. LS Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai got emotional while speaking about MGR and reminisced his days with the AIADMK stalwart. “MGR uplifted the lot of the common man. It’s a testimony to his efforts that the party is now 1. 25 crore cadre strong,” he said. Meanwhile the CM laid foundation stone for projects worth Rs 327.14 crore and inaugurated projects worth Rs 66.13 crore. He also announced 16 schemes for Krishnagiri.