With statements made by some of its Ministers and leaders in the media, especially in TV interviews bringing disrepute and causing embarrassment, the AIADMK (Amma)has asked the media houses to invite only the specified party spokespersons for television debates and interviews henceforth.
The party’s request to the media comes at a time when Ministers and senior party leaders are increasingly keen to voice their views on various issues to the media, especially to the electronic media.
No reason cited
The official communication from the AIADMK head office issued on Friday, however, did not mention the reason behind the request.
However, sources say that the party’s request follows recent instances of some leaders, especially those who are part of the government, making ‘reckless’ statements.
“A day before Dairy Development Minister K.T. Rajenthra Bhalaji, in an interview, reiterated his contentions about private milk producers without any supporting document. It has caused huge embarrassment to the party in the public eyes. Another Minister’s experiment with thermacol too caused embarassment,” a senior party leader said, explaining the reason behind the ruling party’s decision.
Irresponsible statements
Mr. Bhalaji’s statement that he was ready to be hanged in case he was proven wrong was way too irresponsible, the leader said and added: “Without proving his claims, he dared to be hanged and within a few days, private milk producers held a noose in their hands and raised slogans. Other debaters in TV are asking us why the government was not taking any action against private milk producers all these months and years.”
Another party leader said that the Dairy Development Minister’s statement was discussed at a recent meeting in which the Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami had asked Ministers and senior party leaders to be cautious while making controversial contentions and claims to the media.
