Tiruvallur (TN), Nov 11 Senior BJP leader L Murugan on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the Tamil Nadu government, saying there is “no difference” between the TVK administration and the previous DMK rule, giving the six-month-old regime “zero marks” for its performance.
Speaking to reporters after offering prayers at the Sri Subramanya Swamy Temple in Tiruttani, Murugan alleged that people were facing immense hardship under the new administration.
The former union minister noted that his visit marked the anniversary of the 2020 Vetrivel Yatra, which he had launched from Tiruttani to counter insults against the ‘Kandha Sashti Kavasam’.
“In the last six months, people have been subjected to various hardships. Essential commodity prices, particularly rice consumed by ordinary and middle-class families, have skyrocketed. Law and order has collapsed completely — just yesterday, more than five murders were reported in newspapers, alongside jailbreaks reported from Theni and Puzhal prisons, and a rise in crimes against women,” Murugan alleged.
Targeting the economic management of the government, Murugan claimed that development projects have come to a standstill due to arbitrary cancellations.
“Over 3,000 tenders have been cancelled, bringing developmental works to a halt and driving away prospective industries to neighbouring states. While they promised to clear debts upon coming to power, they have borrowed nearly Rs 40,000 crore in just six months. The promised financial assistance of Rs 2,500 per month for women has also not been delivered,” he said.
“People voted for a change, but six months into governance, they are regretting their decision. There is virtually no difference between DMK and TVK rule; both are cut from the same cloth. We can only award zero marks to this administration,” the BJP leader remarked.
Responding to queries on controversies surrounding ruling party legislators, including allegations of inappropriate messages sent by a TVK MLA in Kallakurichi and an alleged assault involving the Deputy Speaker, Murugan demanded stern and impartial action.
“It is evident that lack of governance experience is showing. MLAs are harassing the public and threatening officials. The Chief Minister must initiate strict action without fear or favour,” he said.
On the Mekedatu dam dispute, Murugan urged the state government and Congress leaders from Tamil Nadu to actively pursue the issue with Karnataka to safeguard Tamil Nadu’s water rights.
Explaining his return to grassroots politics in the state, Murugan stated that after writing a detailed letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 13, he obtained permission to work full-time on the ground as an ordinary party karyakarta.
“The Centre has provided nearly Rs 15 lakh crore in funding and championed Tamil culture worldwide, yet the state currently lacks BJP representation in Parliament. My focus will be on strengthening the party from now to ensure Tamil Nadu sends MPs to Parliament,” he added.
(PTI News)
