2 hrs ago
Minister Defends Proposed New Tamil Nadu Assembly Secretariat Complex
Tamil Nadu is considering building a new place for its lawmakers and government offices.
Minister A Rajmohan said the current building is too crowded because many people visit it every day.
The proposed complex could cost Rs 1,200 crore.
Opposition leader Edappadi K Palaniswami questioned spending that much while the state has debt.
Rajmohan said the plan is about solving a space problem, not creating a luxury building.
He also said the government showed the entire Assembly session live on television.
He defended the chief minister’s trip to London to meet companies and sign investment agreements.
Rajmohan said the Assembly can be used to discuss important issues with all parties.
Minister A Rajmohan said severe space constraints require consideration of a new Assembly-cum-Secretariat complex.
Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay previously announced plans for a complex estimated to cost Rs 1,200 crore.
AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami criticized the proposal amid Tamil Nadu’s debt and called Vijay a “costly CM.”
Rajmohan said the government’s complete live telecast of Assembly proceedings allowed opposition leaders’ speeches to be heard.
The minister also defended the chief minister’s London investment trip and said the Assembly can serve as a forum for all-party discussions.
- Who
- Tamil Nadu Minister A Rajmohan defended the proposal, while AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami criticized it.
- What
- The government is considering a new Assembly-cum-Secretariat complex costing Rs 1,200 crore.
- Where
- The comments were made in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, concerning the existing premises at Fort St George.
- When
- Rajmohan made the remarks on September 20; the chief minister unveiled the proposal earlier that month.
- Why
- Rajmohan said the current premises face severe space constraints and increasing daily visitor numbers.
Government’s justification
Opposition criticism
Need for a new complex
Government’s justification
Rajmohan said the existing premises are genuinely overcrowded and that a suitable alternative is needed for public convenience.
Opposition criticism
Palaniswami questioned the need for the project and the spending, describing the chief minister as a “costly CM” while the state carries debt.
Assembly proceedings
Government’s justification
Rajmohan said the government enabled a complete, transparent live telecast, including speeches by opposition leaders.
Opposition criticism
Rajmohan accused opposition legislators of disrupting proceedings by shouting slogans and sitting on the floor during the Leader of the House’s address.
Chief minister’s London visit
Government’s justification
Rajmohan said meeting global executives at multinational headquarters is standard practice and helps conclude investment agreements.
Opposition criticism
Opposition figures criticized the trip, though the article does not provide their detailed reasons.
Key facts
- Proposed project
- A new integrated Assembly-cum-Secretariat complex
- Estimated cost
- Rs 1,200 crore
- Current premises
- Fort St George
- Government’s stated reason
- Space constraints and rising footfall from visitors, petitioners, legislators and ministers
- Criticism
- Edappadi K Palaniswami questioned the expenditure amid state debt
- Assembly broadcast
- Rajmohan said the entire proceedings were telecast live without interruption
- Other issue defended
- Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay’s London trip to sign investment pacts
Quotes
A Rajmohan
Tamil Nadu minister defending the proposed Assembly-cum-Secretariat complex
“Crores of people watched the proceedings live, including large numbers of school students, witnessed the proceedings directly from the gallery. Unlike previous regimes where opposition voices were allegedly cut off during broadcasts, speeches of all leaders, including Palaniswami, DMK leader O Panneerselvam and PMK leader Sowmiya Anbumani were aired transparently”
theprint.in
“The space constraints at the current premises are genuine. Every day, the footfall increases with visitors, petitioners, legislators, and ministers. The government is actively looking into alternatives, and the CM will take a final, amicable decision keeping public interest and people’s views in mind”
theprint.in
Sources
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