The Assembly on Tuesday took up for discussion the motion of thanks to Governor P. Sathasivam’s address to the Legislative Assembly on the first day of its 13th session on March 6.
Introducing the motion, M.P. Abdusamad Samadani, MLA, said how the government had made strides in various spheres and ushered in development in the past four years despite many difficulties. He said the government was able to ‘fly with the youth’ to fulfil their aspirations.
Listing out the achievements, Mr. Samadani said the government would be known for results. The government had created a new face for the lottery sector through the Karunya scheme. The just-concluded National Games was caught in controversy, but it opened a new chapter in sports and infrastructure.
He urged the government to take steps to promote rainwater harvesting to tackle drinking water problems. Vegetables coming from other States should be pesticide-free, he said.
M. Chandran criticised the Governor’s address and said it was a mere repetition of the one made by the previous two Governor. The address lacked a vision. Corruption was the hallmark of the government. The Chief Minister, his Cabinet colleagues, the Chief Secretary, and even the State Police Chief face corruption charges, he said.
K. Muralidheeran lashed out at the CPI(M) and the CPI and wondered why the two parties failed to criticise the UDF government in their recently concluded State meets. He asked why the CPI(M) Sate secretary opted to sit with the Leader of the Opposition in the House who had been labelled as a rebel by the party.
Opposing the motion, C. Divakaran asked why the government was reluctant to face the BJP and get sufficient Central support.
Government Chief Whip P.C. George said the address contained only what the government had been doing in the past four years. Stating that he was not a slave of the police, Mr. George said he was stood by what he had stated against the State Police Chief.
He wanted the government to set up an Assembly committee to look into the utilisation of funds for Adivasis and scheduled castes and tribes in the past 10 years. The problems faced by rubber farmers in the State should also be addressed.
Discussion to continue today
Members raise graft charges
