Chennai: AIADMK ministers on Monday blamed the DMK and Congress, constituents of the UPA government at the Centre, for the closure of Nokia and Foxconn factories in the state.
The debate in the Assembly on the subject led to heated exchanges between the ruling and Opposition parties, during the discussion on the motion of thanks to Governor's address.
When AIADMK member said steps would be taken to reopen Nokia and Foxconn factories, leader of Opposition M.K. Stalin intervened and said the two factories were closed during the AIADMK government. Replying to it, P. Thangamani, former industries minister who is the electricity minister now, said it was closed due to the moves of the previous UPA government.
The UPA government had levied a heavy tax on Nokia and the company was closed due to it. A case is pending on the Nokia issue in the Delhi high court and the matter is sub judice. The case on Foxconn violation is also pending in court, he said.
“The AIADMK government has no connection in the issue and it cannot he held responsible for the closure of Nokia and Foxconn. In fact, it was brought by the Chief Minister's initiative in 2005,” he added.
Stalin, who intervened, said even if the factories were closed due to UPA, the AIADMK could have taken steps to reopen them through an amicable settlement. But, Thangamani said as the factories were closed by the action of the DMK and Congress, they should take action to revive it.
