Legislator likens neera drink to mother’s milk

Claims both have similar nutritional value

In a remark which raised eyebrows in the Assembly on Tuesday, AIADMK legislator Pollachi V. Jayaraman said neera – a coconut sap-based health drink, to be launched by the State government shortly — was equivalent to the mother’s milk in terms of nutritional value.

In his speech during the debate on the motion of thanks to the Governor’s address in the House, Mr. Jayaraman, who also holds the post of the Deputy Speaker, said neera was nutrient-rich, adding that the health drink contained all the nutrients found in the mother’s milk.

DMK member and former Health Minister Poongothai Aladi Aruna was seen gesturing her disapproval of the AIADMK leader’s comments.

While listing the achievements of former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, Mr. Jayaraman highlighted the cradle baby scheme, saying it had benefitted many children across the State. It was also appreciated by Mother Teresa, he pointed out.

“Tamil Nadu should recommend Puratchi Thalaivi Amma for a Nobel prize at the national level,” he said.

Mr. Jayaraman, who was granted the longest duration of time to speak in the House, elaborated on the achievements of the ruling AIADMK government.

Addressing the allegations that the party was being treated like a ‘slave’ by the BJP and was being controlled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he claimed that the AIADMK can never be bought by anyone.