The traditional lighting of Karthigai Deepam atop Thiruparankundram hill will continue as usual, said energy and law minister C T R Nirmal Kumar in Madurai on Saturday. He was responding to questions from reporters after presiding over a consultative meeting with all departments.
Government Stand on Deepam
The minister stated that the government's stand is to follow the existing practice of lighting the deepam atop the hill. He noted that the majority of the people also desire this, wanting the peaceful atmosphere to continue. He added that they will not allow any communal forces to play politics with this.
Reassessment of Corporation Tax Scam
A complete reassessment of the Madurai city corporation tax scam will be undertaken by a team comprising the district collector, corporation commissioner, and city police commissioner. Necessary legal action would be taken after the reassessment. The minister also warned that strict action will be taken, and cases registered if bars are found operating illegally in closed Tasmac outlets. The consultative meeting was attended by district collector P Akash, corporation commissioner Gaurav Kumar, district superintendent of police B K Arvind, and others.
CM's Media Interaction
When asked why the chief minister refuses to meet the press, the minister said politics does not have to be conducted through press conferences and that the CM provides necessary clarifications to the people at appropriate times. He remarked that in the past, some held daily press meets merely for personal publicity and to show their presence, whereas their CM meets the public every day.
Investigation into Hard Disk Theft
Regarding the theft of hard disks at TNEB headquarters, the minister said police are conducting a full-scale investigation and the CM is monitoring the matter daily. They would ensure that no one involved escapes.
Welfare Programme and Airport Expansion
Nirmal Kumar participated in a welfare assistance programme at Avaniyapuram. Speaking to reporters there about the delay in Madurai airport expansion, he said land has been acquired, but it required restructuring of areas designated as water catchment zones. The construction work of the perimeter wall is underway.
AIADMK Leadership and AIIMS Project
On the AIADMK leadership, he said if the BJP were to offer a central ministerial post to Edappadi Palaniswami, he would not hesitate to merge AIADMK with the BJP. On the delay in the Madurai AIIMS project, he said only blame game has been going on and those who have been in power have failed to carry out constructive work. He expressed confidence that the CM will soon take steps to facilitate shifting of AIIMS students from Ramanathapuram medical college to Thoppur and that the facility becomes operational quickly.
