Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin, embarked on an official tour of Madurai and Ramanathapuram districts, where he engaged with local fishermen in the Rameswaram region. Subsequently, he took part in the Fisherman’s Welfare Conference held this morning in Ramanathapuram. During this event, Chief Minister Stalin emphasized the essential contribution of fishermen to the growth of Tamil Nadu, the fifth-largest Indian state in the fishing sector.
Addressing a gathering, CM MK Stalin remarked, “Since the ascent of the BJP to power at the central government, there have been 48 reported instances of assaults on fishermen, resulting in the arrest of 619 fishermen over a span of 9 years. The responsibility for these attacks on Tamil Nadu’s fishermen lies with the BJP administration.”
He went on to express that Narendra Modi has taken no substantial actions for Rameshwaram, highlighting that the 209-crore project aimed at constructing a bridge connecting Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi, for which the foundation was laid in 2019, remains unfinished.
Amidst this scenario, Tamil Nadu’s BJP President, Annamalai, responded strongly to the statement made by the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu during the ‘En Mann En Makkal’ yatra.
While delivering a speech at a rally, Annamalai countered, “Just yesterday in Ramanathapuram, MK Stalin claimed that PM Narendra Modi has not upheld his commitment regarding Rameshwaram, particularly concerning the 209-crore project intended to link Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi with a bridge. The foundation stone for this project was laid by Narendra Modi in 2019. I project will be completed anytime soon.”
He elaborated, “However, I would like to bring to CM Stalin’s attention the cyclone that struck Dhanushkodi in 1964, devastating the livelihoods of the locals, their possessions, and the infrastructure in both Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi. Following that calamity, Dhanushkodi was left unattended, despite being a place visited by Lord Shiva and Lord Ram. This might be one of the reasons why Dhanushkodi and Rameshwaram were neglected by the DMK. In the wake of the 1964 cyclone, you have assumed power in Tamil Nadu six times, yet no efforts were directed towards the betterment of Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi. The initiative to lay the foundation stone for a bridge connecting these areas was taken by Narendra Modi.”
Annamalai pointed out, “Even though the road linking Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi was destroyed in 1964, the DMK has not taken any action to reconstruct it. It was Narendra Modi who allocated 70 crores for the construction of this road when BJP leader Pon Radhakrishnan held a ministerial position. Beyond the road, the central government’s solar power scheme facilitated the provision of electricity to the residents of Dhanushkodi.”
Continuing, he remarked, “Despite your lack of action for Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi during your tenure in power, you are now attempting to find fault with the accomplishments of Narendra Modi. This is why we urge you not to rely on notes scribbled on a piece of paper while speaking. Refrain from reading others’ scripted words. Instead, lend an ear to the people. Failing to do so may lead you to a dead-end.”
#துண்டு_சீட்டு_ஸ்டாலின் தலைவர் @annamalai_k அவர்களால் கடுமையாக தாக்கப்பட்டார். pic.twitter.com/AI6Vw5v0Pa
— Krishna Kumar Murugan (@ikkmurugan) August 18, 2023
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