We will not allow a new Secretariat to be built in Pattinapakkam; not even a single brick can be laid, said AIADMK former minister Jayakumar firmly.
On the occasion of Periyar's 148th birth anniversary, AIADMK leaders, led by party presidium chairman Tamilmagan Hussain, paid floral tributes to the decorated portrait placed beneath the statue of Thanthai Periyar near the Anna Flyover in Chennai.
Former ministers D. Jayakumar, B. Valarmathi, former MLA Aadhirajaram, and Ponniyan, among others, took part and paid their respects.
Later, speaking to reporters, former minister Jayakumar said,
Periyar’s role in advancing equal rights for women and social justice was significant. He played a major part in restoring women’s rights and establishing social justice.
Following Periyar’s path, social justice and women’s rights were also protected during the administrations of M.G.R. and Jayalalithaa. During M.G.R.’s tenure, a university was established in Periyar’s name, and similarly, it was Jayalalithaa who introduced local body reservation for women.
He was the one who spoke about the new Secretariat in Pattinapakkam,
The people of Tamil Nadu, the people of Chennai, and especially the fishing community are expecting the government order issued regarding the new Secretariat to be withdrawn. Therefore, he said that the Tamil Nadu government should withdraw the announcement regarding the new Secretariat, and expressed confidence that the government would do so.
He also questioned whether it is necessary to build a new Secretariat at a cost of around Rs. 1,200 crore when the Tamil Nadu government is facing a financial crisis.
He further criticized that spending Rs. 1,200 crore on the new Secretariat would leave the government unable to fulfill its election promises.
Jayakumar also commented on Premalatha Vijayakant’s statement that, instead of setting up a new Secretariat in Pattinapakkam, the Omandurar Government Hospital complex could be converted back into the Secretariat at a cost of a few crore rupees.
He said that since the Omandurar Government Hospital is currently being used by the public and patients, converting it back into the Secretariat would not be appropriate.
We will not allow a new Secretariat to be built in Pattinapakkam. Not even a single brick can be laid there. While the AIADMK has been continuously opposing the new Secretariat project, reports have emerged that the government is planning to set up a new complex at a cost of Rs. 1,200 crore.
To the question of why PMK has not yet extended support to AIADMK in the by-election?
The election nominations have just been completed. There is still time. He said, "Let's wait and watch."
Continuing to speak, former AIADMK minister Ponnaian said:
Vijay is making a lot of noise because of his money power, but people have realized that he is just a piece of paper.. From now on, his antics will not work with the people; he is worthless, he said.
