Chennai: Taking exception to the Minister’s statement that TN was appreciated by the whole nation for its coronavirus handling, a joint statement issued by the DMK MLAs said the state was second in number of infections and third in terms of casualties (528). “Is this how you protect the people and their lives?” the DMK MLAs wondered, adding that the government cannot claim credit for low death rate because media reports expose cover up by the government vis a vis reporting of COVID-19 deaths daily. Recalling the encomiums, the Minister showered on Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, the MLAs said the laurels might help him get back the lost district-level post, but it will not save the people of the state.