No time for habitual naysayers, CM Stalin slams EPS

CHENNAI: Chief Minister MK Stalin said on Sunday that he does not respect or care about the criticism of Leader of Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami, who claimed that stormwater drainage works in the State capital are incomplete.

Stalin rebutted, saying it had become the job of the AIADMK general secretary to criticise the government.

Talking to reporters after inspecting the Periyar Nagar government hospital and reviewing the ongoing relief works at his Kolathur Assembly constituency, CM Stalin emphasised that the government is focused on working for the people, regardless of who voted for them.

"We are doing our job, and our priority is the welfare and safety of the people. We are working tirelessly to address the issues faced by the public, and we will continue to do so," Stalin said.

Regarding the impact of cyclone Fengal, Stalin stated that Chennai has neither escaped (from its fury) nor (has been left) inundated and is currently at peace. "However, Villupuram and Cuddalore districts have been severely affected, receiving almost 60 cm of rainfall," he said.

"We did not expect such heavy rainfall in these areas. Government machinery is working round the clock to conduct relief and rescue operations. Along with Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, ministers are at ground zero to resolve power and transport issues. Senior officials are on the ground to expedite relief works," Stalin explained.

The Chief Minister asked the public not to worry about waterlogging in Chennai and said the water would drain out once the rain stopped. He dismissed reports of water logging, attributing them to old videos.

"Some people are spreading old videos to create confusion. I assure you there is no water logging in Chennai. It is normal for water to accumulate when it rains continuously, but as soon as the rain stops, the flood water drains within 30 minutes," Stalin clarified.

CM also inspected the stormwater drainages and rescue works in places including GKM Colony in Kolathur, accompanied by ministers KN Nehru and PK Sekarbabu, Mayor Priya, and other officials.