Avoid Derogatory Language: TN Minister Tells Nainar

Tourism, Culture and Religious Endowments Minister S. Rajesh Kumar criticised Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagenthran for making what he described as uncivilised remarks against Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.

Speaking to the media in Tiruchy on Sunday after meeting district Congress leaders and workers, Rajesh Kumar said, "Politics must be healthy and civilised. Making degrading criticisms is wrong." He termed it a major mistake for a senior politician like Nainar Nagenthran to make such remarks against the Chief Minister.

The minister also took strong exception to Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin's remark that Tamil Nadu was witnessing a "joker rule". He said DMK leaders should introspect on why their party had failed to come to power.

Responding to a question on the state's law-and-order situation, Rajesh Kumar said law and order was being maintained well in Tamil Nadu and people were safe.

He said the Tourism Department's grant demand would come up for discussion in the state Assembly on August 19. Following the discussion, the government would assess the tourism potential of all 38 revenue districts and bring the proposals to the Chief Minister's attention for implementing new projects, he said.

The government is considering several initiatives, including setting up parks near dam sites, developing a river-linking tourism system and providing restroom facilities for pilgrims at spiritual centres such as Velankanni and Nagore, Rajesh Kumar said.

He added that work was under way to develop Mahabalipuram into an international-standard spiritual and tourism hub at an estimated cost of Rs 200 crore.

The government is also examining a proposal to make special arrangements for people aged 60 and above to facilitate their visits to religious places, he said.