The absence of elected representatives in local bodies across the State was the reason behind the spread of dengue, DMK leader and Leader of the Opposition M.K. Stalin said on Thursday.
Speaking to reporters after visiting patients being treated for dengue at the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital here, Mr. Stalin said, “Dengue is spreading because of the absence of elected representatives in local bodies who have the responsibility to ensure public health and hygiene.”
He also criticised Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami, Health Minister C. Vijaya Baskar and Municipal Administration Minister S.P. Velumani over the spread of dengue in various parts of the State.
He also cited several cases of dengue among patients admitted in Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital.
The notification for the local body polls in the State was stayed by the Madras High Court in October last year and special officers were posted to carry out the role of elected representatives since then. Their tenure has been extended so far.
In a statement, former Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss criticised the government for not effectively implementing the Union government’s Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.
“There are rules against stagnation of garbage. The non-implementation of these rules by the State government and the local bodies is the reason behind dengue deaths in the State,” he pointed out.
