Edappadi K Palaniswami hits out at M K Stalin for zero governance' remark

Chennai: Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami took a dig at DMK president M.K. Stalin for his 'zero governance' remark and said people know who is really 'zero' in politics.

Winding up the debate on the motion of thanks to the governor for his address to the Assembly, on Tuesday, Mr Palaniswami referring to Stalin's 'zero governance' remark said the DMK leader had once commented that the AIADMK government will not last for ten days.

"From the time I took up the reins as Chief Minister, the DMK has been highly critical. It said my government will not last for more than 10 days. Not ten days or 100 days, my government has travelled a long way exceeding even 700 days. Amma's government has been successfully serving the people and it will continue to serve the people," he said amidst loud thumping by the treasury benches.

His government had obtained several national awards for good governance and accolades from several quarters too. "From this one can understand who is zero in governance," Palaniswami sarcastically remarked apparently indicating that the leader of the Opposition in the Assembly M.K. Stalin has 'failed' miserably.

While participating in the debate on Monday Mr. Stalin had remarked the governor's address was bereft of any announcements and at the end it revealed 'zero governance.'

Turning to other issues, Palaniswami said in an effort aimed at safeguard the antique idols of the heritage temples across the State, the government has proposed to spend about Rs 308.70 crore, at the rate of Rs 10 lakh per temple, to establish strong rooms in 3,087 temples spread across Tamil Nadu.

A memorial for freedom fighter Ramasamy Padaiyachi would be built in Cuddalore.

He announced that 511 assistant inspectors and 6,140 policemen would be recruited through the TN Uniform Services Recruitment Board.