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Palaniswami questions TN CM Vijay’s UK tour, says public may see it as ‘pleasure trip’
Madurai (Tamil Nadu), Sep 17 (PTI) AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami on Thursday questioned Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay’s UK visit, suggesting it may not have been solely aimed at attracting investments to the state.
Pointing out that neither the Industries minister nor the Industries secretary accompanied the CM, Palaniswami said the public had questioned the purpose of the visit, with some wondering whether it was actually a “pleasure trip”.
Palaniswami said that if the CM had travelled specifically to attract industrial investments, it would have been appropriate to take along the Industries minister or the Industries secretary.
“But travelling without key department heads raises serious questions,” Palaniswami told reporters here.
He pointed out that the agreement signed with the Motherson Group could have been executed in Tamil Nadu.
“The company already operates 32 facilities across India and has a major office in Chennai. Executing this agreement in London has led the public to question whether this was an investment drive or simply a pleasure trip,” he said.
Palaniswami criticised the government over Tamil Nadu’s rising debt and questioned the need to construct a new secretariat complex amid financial constraints.
He alleged that the government had failed to fulfill key poll promises, including agricultural loan waivers, and pointed to protests by farmers, nurses and public sector workers.
The former CM also criticised the conduct of Assembly proceedings, alleging that crucial time was being spent on political disputes rather than addressing public grievances.
Citing concerns over law and order and alleged corruption in government departments, he said the public would hold the current administration accountable.
Palaniswami alleged that Tamil Nadu was facing administrative failures, widespread power cuts and a deterioration in law and order.
On frequent power cuts across the state, he said even ministers had faced power outages during public functions.
“While the administration denies power cuts, Minister for Electricity, Non-Conventional Energy Development R Nirmal Kumar has admitted to a power deficit and announced plans to purchase 2,000 MW from the open market,” Palaniswami said, alleging that unannounced night-time power cuts had disrupted students’ education and daily life.
Attributing the power crisis to a lack of foresight in forecasting demand, he said the previous AIADMK government had maintained Tamil Nadu as a power-surplus state.
Vijay embarked on his first overseas trip since assuming office last Thursday night to attract investments in advanced manufacturing, automobiles and electric vehicles, electronics, and Global Capability Centres aimed at creating high-end jobs. PTI JSP SSK
This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.