Vasan blames Stategovernment for chaos

Showing solidarity: TMC president G.K. Vasan with anti- Sterlite protesters at A.Kumareddiyarpuram near Thoothukudi on Saturday.

Showing solidarity: TMC president G.K. Vasan with anti- Sterlite protesters at A.Kumareddiyarpuram near Thoothukudi on Saturday.   | Photo Credit: N_RAJESH

The State government’s inefficiency was reflecting on the chaotic conditions prevailing in every sphere in Tamil Nadu, said Tamil Maanila Congress president and former Union Minister G.K. Vasan.

Speaking to reporters here on Saturday, he said “Be it the Cauvery dispute, the Sterlite problem or the issue over posting of Vice-Chancellor of Anna University, the State government’s inefficiency stands exposed. Instead of just reacting to problems, the State government should take every issue to the Centre and find a solution. Only when there is peace, there can be growth and development in the State. In every aspect, either there is a delay or confusion with this State government.”

Farmers who were hoping for a favourable verdict from the Supreme Court on April 9 had been let down. They had also lost faith in the ruling party.

Even when the people were opposed to the India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) project at Pottipuram in Theni district, the Centre was going ahead in implementing the project.

The State government had been standing like a mute spectator. Instead of being passive, the government should be active, Mr. Vasan said.

Thoothukudi

Coming down heavily on officials of Central and the State Governments for not meeting villagers protesting against Sterlite Copper, Mr. Vasan said the copper unit should be closed permanently since the harmful pollutants were threatening their very existence.

Speaking to reporters at A. Kumareddiyarpuram after meeting the villagers who have been protesting against the copper unit for the past 55 days, Mr. Vasan said the official machinery must conduct proper studies in areas around the copper unit. If it was proved that there were indeed serious health issues, the unit should be closed permanently.

“The revenue from this factory can never be equated with people’s safety. The government should not allow the factory to go ahead with its expansion plan,” Mr. Vasan said.

Puthiya Thamizhagam president K. Krishnasamy also met the protesters t Pandarampatti and A. Kumareddiyarpuram.