Tiruchy, Oct 3:
Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister S Ramesh has said that people have faith in the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government and its welfare schemes, expressing confidence that the party would win the upcoming by-elections in Madurantakam and Dharapuram.
Speaking to reporters in Tiruchy on Friday after inaugurating Deepavali Khadi sales on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi Jayanthi, Ramesh said the government was committed to the development of Tamil Nadu and that its welfare initiatives had made an impact among the public.
He claimed that voters understood the DMK to be an anti-people party and said the welfare measures introduced by the TVK government would help the party secure victory in both constituencies. He also rejected allegations that the TVK was distributing money to voters.
“There is no need to distribute money, as the welfare schemes will speak for themselves,” he said.
Ramesh criticised DMK leaders for what he described as inappropriate remarks during public speeches and urged them to follow the principles of former Chief Minister C N Annadurai. He said the people would respond to the DMK at the polls, drawing a comparison with the party’s performance in the Kolathur constituency.
The minister also reiterated allegations concerning the alleged encroachment of Srirangam temple land worth Rs 50 crore by DMK functionary Ramkumar using forged documents. He said Ramkumar had been arrested in connection with the alleged land scam and claimed that a retired judge from Puducherry, who reportedly sold the land, could also face arrest.
Asked about the TVK’s position on Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in connection with the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, Ramesh declined to comment, saying that Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay would take the decision.