Palanisamy calls on Modi, discusses Neduvasal,CMB

Submitting a 23-point memo to the Prime Minister on Monday evening, Palanisamy sought an additional 85,000 tonnes of rice for universal PDS at Rs 8.30 per kilo. He requested revival of the Sriperumbudur electronic manufacturing hub. He also raised issues or realigning the proposed Kochi-Bengaluru GAIL pipeline and the proposed privatisation of the Salem steel plant. He wanted the Centre’s support for securing JICA assistance for Chennai metro rail’s phase II project. 

Palanisamy’s other demands included sanction of Rs 36,565 crore for drought relief while another Rs 22,573 crore was sought for restoration measures following cyclone Vardah. 

Immediate constitution of the Cauvery Management Board (CMB) and the Cauvery waters Regulation Committee, protection of Indian fishermen, approval for TN’s bills seeking exemption from NEET and speedy establishment of AIIMS at Thanjavur were the other issues he raised. Karnataka and Kerala governments constructing dams against the interest of TN and approval for the Athikadavu-Avinashi scheme were also raised.