DMK yet to implement development schemes: Dy LoP

MADURAI: Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly RB Udayakumar on Monday wondered whether any development scheme was implemented during the one-and-a-half year rule of DMK in the state.

Referring to the Rs 2.28 lakh crore loan taken by the present government, he questioned whether the Minister for Finance and Human Resources Management PTR Palanivel Thiaga Rajan could list out development schemes introduced for the people.

Talking to reporters in Madurai, Udayakumar said, while PTR had knowledge of financial management, he could not feel the pulse of the people. Though PTR hailed from a traditional family of politicians, why he worked for a private company, he wondered. Even after working in a company for 30 years, he did not know the difference between politics and company affairs, he added.

Reacting to PTR’s comment that Udayakumar did not even possess basic knowledge despite having held ministerial portfolio for 10 years, the former revenue minister said the government has increased electricity tariff and property tax rates and it would ultimately burden the people.

When M Karunanidhi was the chief minister in 2011, the government had a debt of Rs 1.14 lakh crore, but the government debt during the 10-year AIADMK rule increased to Rs 4.80 lakh crore because the then government spent the funds on productive projects, especially the formation of six new districts, eleven new government medical colleges with assistance from the Central government and creation of road infrastructure.

While the present government is harping on social justice, the previous AIADMK government led by J Jayalalithaa provided 69 per cent reservation for the Backward Classes people, far beyond other states and upheld the virtues of social justice.

He further said that the Edappadi K Palaniswami-led AIADMK government provided 7.5 per cent reservation for government school students in medical courses offered in government colleges.

Chennai: AIADMK interim general secretary and former chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Monday visited the party headquarters and discussed with important office-bearers. The visit assumes significance as Palaniswami is preparing to conduct an election within the party to pick up a permanent general secretary. The er of Opposition also reviewed the repair works at the party office, which was undertaken in the headquarters. It may be recalled that the office was allegedly vandalised by O Panneerselvam faction when Palaniswami had organised AIADMK’s general council meeting earlier.