Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on Monday described her Cabinet as a “good mix of old, experienced hands and new faces.”
Addressing reporters for the first time at Fort St George after assuming office, she told reporters that her endeavour had been to ensure that representation was given to all regions, religions, districts, castes and communities in the Cabinet. “I think I have succeeded in this to a great extent.”
To a question on the status of the new Secretariat-Assembly complex on the Omandurar Government Estate, she replied that the Cabinet would meet and take a decision.
To questions on her government's strategy to tackle power shortage and fiscal position of the State, she responded that her government needed time to review the working of each department.
On the nationalisation of private cable television distribution network, she said the issue had been included in her party's election manifesto. Steps would be taken at the earliest. A Minister had been appointed exclusively for the Department of Special Programme Implementation to ensure that electoral promises of her party were fulfilled.
Ms Jayalalithaa reiterated that in the last five years, the State had gone down in all spheres of life and there was a sense of fear among people. So, “we have to rebuild Tamil Nadu.”
Referring to the change of government, the Chief Minister said that in the State, “another freedom struggle” had taken place and “Tamil Nadu has been liberated.” She assured people that law and order would be effectively maintained and the quality of life of people would go up. “Tamil Nadu will become the State No. 1 in the country.”
The Chief Minister replied in the affirmative to a question whether she would go to New Delhi.
Around 6.45 p.m., Ms. Jayalalithaa went to the Fort to give her approval to seven proposals.
A large number of people, including government employees, were on the Fort premises to greet her on arrival. At some places, banners were put up by a government staff association, welcoming her visit to the Secretariat.
