The Leader of the Opposition, EP voiced strong criticism against what he described as the extravagant spending of public funds by the current Tamil Nadu government. He made these remarks while inaugurating several development projects funded by the MLA constituency development fund and the Rajya Sabha MP fund in Idaipadi.
The projects included the construction of additional classrooms and a small water tank worth Rs 68.85 lakh, and a concrete road funded by Rajya Sabha MP Chandrasekaran, totaling Rs 72.85 lakh.
In his speech, E.P.S. expressed concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in Tamil Nadu. He highlighted the increasing availability and use of drugs among students, a matter he claimed to have raised multiple times with the government, including in the legislative assembly. He accused the current administration of being lethargic in addressing these issues.
E.P.S. also criticized the government’s decision to conduct a car race in the heart of the capital, an area that includes important facilities like hospitals, railway stations, the Secretariat, and the port, and is already plagued by traffic congestion. He questioned whether such an event was necessary in a location with so much existing congestion.
He further condemned the wasteful expenditure of taxpayers’ money, pointing out that despite bringing a comprehensive urban development plan to Salem, the government prioritized erecting a statue of Stalin’s father over completing important development projects.
E.P.S. also addressed the rising cost of living, noting that rice prices have soared to RS 80 per kilogram, and frequent power cuts have become common since the current government took office. Additionally, he criticized the substantial increase in property taxes by 100% and the hike in water taxes, lamenting that no area has been spared from tax hikes under the current administration.