Mind your language, EPS warns Opposition leader

Campaigning for AIADMK candidate NR Sivapathi contesting from Perambalur, the CM said that he had decided to disburse a fund of Rs 2,000 to every family, but it was stopped after the DMK filed a case against it.

Pointing out that 65 per cent of the state’s population depended on farming to eke out a living, he assured that the AIADMK would strive to improve their livelihood. “Since I come from a family with agricultural background, I can understand the problems faced by farmers and our top priority is their upliftment,” he said.

Stressing that the linking of rivers was one of the major poll promises of the BJP, the CM said that steps would be taken to link Godavari and Cauvery at a cost of Rs 60,000 crore, which would resolve the water problem of Tamil Nadu farmers. “The AIADMK MPs would stress on the linking of rivers once they enter Parliament after the elections,” he assured.

On the part of state government, he said that a special team comprising retired engineering experts has been formed to study the feasibility of constructing more check dams in the state to prevent the wastage of water. He also said that waterbodies across the state have been desilted and the work would continue in the coming years too.

The Chief Minister, who strongly condemned Stalin for criticising the him and speaking on agriculture, said, “What does Stalin know about agriculture that he continues to ridicule me on this topic.”

Stating that he has contested in the elections for nine times and has been MLA six times, besides being MP thrice, he said, “Stalin has been terming me as a rogue. I have come from a village and rose to this level step by step. I’m not like Stalin who became a party president through backdoor technique. Therefore, he must mind his language.”

Pointing out that Stalin, who was once the Deputy Chief Minister in his father’s cabinet, could not even walk through the streets of Madurai, but today he is able to campaign on the same stretches. “This is a proof of the law and order situation in the state,” he said.

Commenting about the promises in the DMK manifesto, the Chief Minister asked, “What can an opposition party do? How can they bring development?”

He said that Stalin has been telling lies and added that he should ensure that the DMK cadre did not usurp lands of the poor like it happened in the past.