DMK boycotts CM’s reply on PWD grants

The MDMK opposed the Union government’s move to appoint joint secretaries for various departments directly without clearing the UPSC and said it is an attempt to bring those with saffron mindset into the administration.

A resolution to this effect was passed at the party’s high level committee meeting on Monday. The resolution said it would be against the rules and traditions since the UPSC used to select candidates through examinations and interview and used to train them.

The meeting also expressed concern over the Supreme Court order to set up a disaster management body for Mullaiperiyar dam and urged the state government to take the issue to a Constitution Bench.

Already, the Supreme Court had formed expert committees on the strength of the dam and given clear verdicts, another resolution said.

Film director Ameer on Monday lodged a complaint with the state DGP seeking action against Nandakumar, Coimbatore district secretary of the BJP and 50 others for allegedly threatening him during an open debate in front of audience which was going live on a private Tamil channel on Friday. Police had filed an FIR against Ameer and the private channel. However, on Monday Ameer approached the state DGP with his complaint against the BJP functionaries. He also noted that the police helped him to go back home safely.