The ongoing political imbroglio in Tamil Nadu has brought the State administration to a virtual standstill. Senior officials are unable to take forward policies, with Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam and his Cabinet Ministers moving in different directions. Mr. Panneerselvam, who resigned last Sunday, is also preoccupied with consolidating his strength as the leader of the rebel AIADMK camp.
According to sources, several files, awaiting the approval of the Chief Minister and many of his Ministers, are piling up. There is also uncertainty over whether the State Budget would be presented in March as there is no clarity on whether a new government will be in place by then.
Many Bills adopted by the House have not yet seen the light of day.
It is said that Ministers, who are supposed to give their administrative approval before sending the Bills to the Governor for assent, have not yet done so since they too are occupied with securing support for the Sasikala camp.
Even when it comes to matters of public importance, the case of smart cards for beneficiaries of the Public Distribution System can be cited, with even the design of the cards awaiting “political clearance.”
As for the Budget, though some secretaries are holding meetings to discuss the broad framework of projects and schemes of their respective departments for the next financial year, their decision-making is hobbled by the uncertainty hanging over the process.
“We would like the present phase of instability to end at the earliest so that we will be able to take decisive steps on issues that would have a long-term impact,” said an official.
