New Secretariat controversy
Stalin said there were reports that the Foreshore Estate site was chosen on the advice of an astrologer so that the CM’s office would face the sea. Because of a single man’s desire?’’ he asked, “Should fishermen suffer. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Chennai | Silver Rate in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai | Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Petrol Price in Chennai | Diesel Price in Chennai | CNG Price in Chennai | LPG Price in Chennai Stay updated with the latest Chennai news.
If it was issued without the CM’s knowledge, strict action must be taken against the officials responsible,” he said. CPM state secretary P Shanmugam also questioned Aadhav Arjuna’s statement that Vijay was yet to take a final decision. “If the CM has not taken a final decision, how was the GO issued? Download the TOI App.
Chennai: DMK has stepped up pressure on the TVK govt on Monday over the proposed ₹1,200 crore new Secretariat complex at Foreshore Estate, with former CM M K Stalin warning of a massive protest if the govt failed to drop the plan. The Secretariat complex built there during the DMK regime in 2008 was converted into a super-speciality hospital by former CM J Jayalalithaa in 2011, he pointed out.
Stalin, who met representatives of fishermen from Pattinapakkam seeking his support, said the proposed project would affect the homes and livelihood of fishing communities in the area. He warned that the DMK would join the fishermen in a “massive protest” if the govt remained adamant on proceeding with the project. Stalin also suggested that the govt can convert the hospital at Omandurar govt estate as the secretariat. Hitting out at TVK minister Aadhav Arjuna for his statement that CM C Joseph Vijay was yet to take a final decision on the plan to build a secretariat at Foreshore Estate, Stalin questioned the rationale for issuing a GO to prepare a detailed project report at the site if the place was not finalised. “Who is the TVK govt trying to fool by claiming that a decision has not yet been taken, after issuing the GO? Stalin asked in a statement. “Do they think people would believe the lies peddled by TVK?’’ he asked. He questioned the need for a new Secretariat at a congested coastal location and suggested that the Omandurar Govt Estate could be used instead.