Tiruchy, July 7:
CPI State secretary M. Veerapandian on Monday welcomed the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government’s decision to provide jobs to family members of the victims of the Karur stampede on humanitarian grounds, while urging the administration to give equal priority to law and order and public safety.
Addressing reporters after the party’s executive committee meeting in Tiruchy, Mr. Veerapandian stressed the need for stringent action against crimes targeting women and children, calling for swift investigation and punishment of offenders.
He also appealed to political parties across Tamil Nadu to create awareness against crime and work collectively towards building a society that stands united against criminal activities.
Condemning Governor R.N. Ravi Arlekar’s recent review meeting in Madurai, the CPI leader alleged that such actions were against the State’s autonomy. He said the Governor should not function as a “parallel government” in opposition to the elected administration.
On the Mekedatu dam issue, Mr. Veerapandian urged the Union government to take a proactive role instead of remaining a passive observer. He warned that the project could strain relations between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka and impact national unity.
Highlighting pressing civic concerns, he pointed to the worsening drinking water shortage in the State and the difficulties faced by farmers due to inadequate irrigation supply. He called upon the State government to press Karnataka to release Cauvery water in accordance with the tribunal’s award.
Veerapandian also criticised the Union government over the continued rise in fuel prices, alleging that it had failed to take effective steps to control the increase.