Chennai, Sept 21:
Public Works Minister Aadhav Arjuna has said Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay will stand by the fishing community if the proposed new Secretariat-cum-Assembly complex affects the livelihood of fishermen.
Addressing a booth agents’ meeting in Madurantakam on Sunday, Aadhav said the Secretariat proposal was being unnecessarily politicised. He said the government had not taken a final decision on the location and would decide only after receiving a detailed project report (DPR). “The Chief Minister has not taken any decision yet on the Secretariat. If the choice is between the Secretariat and the livelihood of the fishing community, our Chief Minister will certainly stand by the fishermen,” he said.
His remarks came amid protests by fishing communities and Left parties against the proposed Pattinapakkam site. According to DT Next, the government has decided to move away from Pattinapakkam and is examining alternative locations along the East Coast Road.
Taking a swipe at the Left parties opposing the project, Aadhav also questioned whether DMK functionaries had received commissions during the previous regime. The remarks came as the government faces criticism over the proposed Secretariat project and concerns raised by fishermen over its possible impact on their livelihood.