Chennai, Dec 13: In a scathing critique, former minister and AIADMK headquarters secretary S P Velumani accused the DMK government of deflecting blame onto the previous AIADMK regime for its inadequate water management, revealed during the cyclonic storm Michaung. Velumani went on to assert that the current administration deliberately orchestrated power outages lasting four days to suppress news about the floods across social media and other communication channels.Directing his criticism at Chief Minister M K Stalin and Health Minister Ma Subramanian, Velumani questioned their effectiveness during their roles as Mayors of the Chennai Corporation in the preceding DMK regime. He challenged what measures they had undertaken to enhance the city’s infrastructure during their mayoral terms, accusing Stalin of squandering tax money on foreign trips under the pretext of transforming Chennai into ‘Singara Chennai’ during his tenure as Mayor.
Velumani proceeded to highlight the AIADMK-led government’s response to natural calamities over its ten-year tenure, encompassing Cyclone Thane in 2011 to Cyclone Burvei in 2020. He argued that the AIADMK government adeptly managed seven natural calamities during its tenure, promptly addressing the needs of the affected populace and restoring normalcy.
In contrast, Velumani criticized the DMK government for its alleged failure in implementing pre- and post-cyclone measures, leaving citizens in dire circumstances. He also lamented the closure of Amma Canteens, which traditionally provided sustenance to affected individuals during calamities.