Tirunelveli (Tamil Nadu), Sep 20 (PTI) Tamil Nadu Minister A Rajmohan on Sunday defended the state government’s decision to consider a new Assembly-cum-Secretariat complex, stating that severe space constraints at the existing premises necessitate a suitable alternative.
Addressing reporters here after unveiling a statue of renowned Tamil orator late ‘Nellai’ Kannan, he also highlighted the government’s democratic reforms in telecasting Assembly proceedings and hit back at opposition criticisms.
Responding to allegations by AIADMK chief Edappadi K PalaniswamI, who termed Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay a “costly CM” and questioned the expenditure on a new Secretariat amid state debt, Rajmohan stated that the move is driven strictly by practical necessity rather than luxury.
“The space constraints at the current premises are genuine. Every day, the footfall increases with visitors, petitioners, legislators, and ministers. The government is actively looking into alternatives, and the CM will take a final, amicable decision keeping public interest and people’s views in mind,” the minister said.
CM Vijay earlier this month unveiled plans to establish a new Assembly-cum-Secretariat integrated complex for Rs 1,200 crore, signalling the administration’s decision to move out of the historic Fort St George.
Defending the conduct of the Assembly session, Rajmohan noted that the current government ensured a complete and uninterrupted live telecast of the entire proceedings from the opening recital of ‘Thirukkural’ to adjournment.
“Crores of people watched the proceedings live, including large numbers of school students, witnessed the proceedings directly from the gallery. Unlike previous regimes where opposition voices were allegedly cut off during broadcasts, speeches of all leaders, including Palaniswami, DMK leader O Panneerselvam and PMK leader Sowmiya Anbumani were aired transparently,” he said.
Taking a swipe at the DMK over disruptions in the House, Rajmohan said it was undignified for opposition legislators to shout slogans for 60 minutes and sit on the floor while the Leader of the House was delivering his address.
Addressing political remarks by DMK president and former Chief Minister M K Stalin regarding coalitions, Rajmohan asserted that the ruling administration does not depend on the mercy of traditional political families or parties, but runs solely on the trust of the common people and women voters.
He added that the ruling dispensation has accommodated alliance partners within the Cabinet, fulfilling its promise of power-sharing.
Reacting to criticisms over the chief minister’s recent trip to London to sign investment pacts, Rajmohan dismissed the opposition’s barbs, pointing out that meeting of global executives at multinational headquarters is standard protocol, which previous chief ministers had also practiced.
On senior CPI(M) leader P Shanmugam’s demand for all-party meetings on issues such as the Cauvery dispute, the minister remarked that the government holds the veteran leader in high regard and is receptive to constructive suggestions, reiterating that the Assembly itself serves as an active, comprehensive forum for all parties. PTI JR KH
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