Chennai: Putting up a brave face on Wednesday, Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami asserted that his government would defeat all conspiracies and emerge victorious. He also claimed that his “Amma” government is being run effectively.
Mr Palaniswami, on a visit to Villupuram district for MGR birth centenary celebrations, said, “Media knows the conspiracies. There is no need for me to say. You all know it very clearly. You have been writing about it in newspapers. We are overcoming them.”
His biggest challenge was drinking water crisis, he told reporters in Villupuram. “This is a big challenge during the worst drought witnessed in 140 years. The government has allocated adequate funds and is tackling the issue on a war-footing.” Officials have been instructed to closely monitor the situation closely and resolve the issues immediately he said.
Also, his government was taking adequate measures to prevent the spread of dengue, he said and added that awareness campaigns were launched to sensitise the people. “Health minister is already on the field visiting the affected areas and hospital in Salem. He is also monitoring the situation,” Mr Palaniswami added.
Taking a matured view over the stir against his government, Mr Palaniswami said on the former CM O. Panneerselvam faction plan to hold a protest against the state government on various counts on Aug. 18, that it was their right. “In a democratic country, everyone has the right to hold an agitation. I think he (Mr. Panneerselvam) has announced it on that line,” the CM said.
To a question on whether he would take up the reins of party general secretary, as it was the AIADMK’s practice of the party supremo heading the government, he replied, “there is a dispute pending before the election commission. I cannot reply to this now.” Mr. Palaniswami is also the party’s headquarters secretary now.
“According to me, the party and the government are being run effectively. As far as the government is concerned, the ministers are making sincere efforts to resolve the issues, taking into account the needs of people and their demands,” the CM said.
