Refuting criticism over the low growth rate (3.39 per cent) of Tamil Nadu during 2012-13, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on Monday said it was largely due to the drought that affected the State and the consequent negative growth in agricultural production.
But the State’s economy bounced back during 2013-2014, with its grain production shooting up to 110 lakh tonnes and the State registering a 7.29 per cent growth, Ms. Jayalalithaa said, campaigning for AIADMK candidate P. Rajkumar for the September 18 Coimbatore mayoral by-poll.
This was higher than 4.74 per cent growth the country had registered that year, she said to drive home the point that Tamil Nadu was put on the growth trajectory again. Efforts were made to achieve a higher growth rate this year.
She said the grain production was expected to touch a record high of 110.65 lakh tonnes during 2014-15. The State signed MoUs with 33 Indian and multinational companies for investment of Rs. 31,706 crore so far.
Taking yet another swipe at national parties like the BJP, she said they would not be able to address the problems of local bodies as they were Delhi-centric. How such parties would have concern for the people of the Coimbatore Corporation, she asked.
Though the BJP ruled the country, it showed no concern for the rights of the people of Tamil Nadu on issues such as Cauvery and Katchatheevu. Only the AIAIDMK cared for the welfare of the people of the State, she contended.
Earlier, Ms. Jayalalithaa paid floral tributes to the statue of the former Chief Minister, C.N. Annadurai, on his 106th birth anniversary and released an annual souvenir.
