Political Clash Over Assembly Conduct
A political spat has emerged in Tamil Nadu over the conduct of assembly proceedings, with opposition leaders criticizing the ruling party's ministers and the latter hitting back. DMK general secretary Duraimurugan and Tamil Manila Congress president G K Vasan on Sunday criticised the functioning of TVK ministers in the assembly, according to a report by The Times of India.
Duraimurugan alleged that ministers concerned do not respond to questions raised by MLAs, and instead ministers not related to the department respond without offering direct answers. He recalled that earlier ministers used to note down complaints brought up by MLAs and prepare responses with the help of concerned department secretaries, but that is no longer happening. DMK deputy general secretary Kanimozhi said the response of the ministers in the assembly was intended only for social media reels. Vasan told reporters in Villupuram that TVK ministers and MLAs should run the assembly in a constructive manner as people are watching them live.
TVK ministers S Ramesh and Keerthana responded, accusing DMK of obstructing the proceedings in the assembly. HR&CE minister Ramesh accused DMK legislators of behaving inappropriately in the assembly and using unparliamentary language. He said former ministers were disrupting proceedings by shouting, barging towards ruling-party members, using foul language, and not allowing anyone to speak. Industries minister Keerthana said DMK MLAs are lamenting because they are unable to counter TVK ministers in the assembly.
Minister Ramesh Defends Government's Democratic Accountability
In a separate interaction with media in Tiruchy on Sunday, HR & CE Minister S. Ramesh justified the replies given by senior ministers like N Anand and Adhav Arjuna on queries related to the Chief Minister and the government, as reported by Deccan Chronicle. He said all other ministers concerned also replied to the questions made by the opposition members. Ramesh asserted that the TVK-led government functions with complete democratic accountability.
"When running the Assembly democratically, answering everyone's voice and expunging unparliamentary words is a standard tradition. Everyone knows there was no room for democracy during the previous regime," Ramesh said. He defended the Speaker's decision to expunge unparliamentary remarks, saying some former ministers seated in the back rows use abusive words and unparliamentary language whenever current ministers speak. "The opposition is acting with the mindset of turning the Assembly into a brawl," he added.
Ration Rice and Temple Initiatives
Responding to queries on public distribution supplies, Ramesh acknowledged public grievances over grain quality and stated that corrective measures are underway. "People in several places have raised complaints about being unable to consume the ration rice provided. The Chief Minister has taken firm steps to rectify these issues and ensure high-quality commodities are supplied through ration shops," he said.
Detailing initiatives undertaken by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department during the ongoing budget session, the minister highlighted works taken up for the restoration of 1,000-year-old temples, reconstruction of dilapidated shrines, and consecration ceremonies. He dismissed political criticism over the announcement of a dedicated rest hall (mandapam) at the Anbil Mariamman Temple in Tiruchirappalli, saying it is for devotees visiting after recovering from pox infections to fulfill vows. He termed as false propaganda the opposition narrative that the mandapam is for those still inflicted with pox infections.
Ramesh also said tenders worth Rs 246 crore for unviable and uncommenced works, including proposed luxury guest houses, were cancelled. He noted there are approximately Rs 400 crore in pending liabilities for ongoing temple renovation works. Regarding the Tiruchendur Subramanya Swamy Temple, he said nearly 80 to 90 per cent of irregularities and darshan malpractices have been brought under control. He added that the temple has a carrying capacity of around 30,000 devotees a day but handles 50,000 to 60,000 people on peak weekends, and that it has been only 100 days since the government took over.
Ramesh announced that pursuant to High Court directives, mobile phone deposit counters are being set up across more than 50 senior-grade temples in the state. He urged media personnel to refrain from taking video cameras inside sanctums or asking political questions within temple premises. On infrastructure, he said ongoing bridge works in Tiruchirappalli causing traffic congestion are being closely monitored in coordination with district administration officials to ensure swift completion.