TVK govt can take time for promises, but not on L&O: CPI leader Veerapandian

Tiruchirapalli (Tamil Nadu) Jul 6 (PTI) CPI state secretary M Veerapandian on Monday said that the newly formed TVK government must handle law and order issues with an "iron hand". Addressing a press conference here, he said, "As far as the Communist Party of India is concerned, we have said very clearly: A new government can take time to fulfill given promises, but there should be no time-taking in law and order problems. That should be handled with an iron hand. Sexual crimes against women and children cannot be accepted." The CPI, with two MLAs, is extending unconditional support to the TVK government. Veerapandian noted that the government, police, and intelligence departments bear an added responsibility to ensure the safety of young women and girls without compromise. He also urged the public and political parties to get on the field and actively fight against such oppressions. Veerapandian demanded that the TVK fulfill its specific electoral promise to completely waive farmers' loans. On the Cauvery river dispute, the CPI leader demanded the immediate release of water by the Karnataka government to address the severe drinking water crisis and distress faced by farmers in Tamil Nadu. Strongly opposing the construction of a dam at Mekedatu, he stated that it not only infringes on the rights of both states but also questions the unity and integrity of India. He urged the Union government not to remain a mute spectator and to compel Karnataka to adhere to the Supreme Court and Tribunal verdicts. Veerapandian also launched a scathing attack on the Tamil Nadu Governor for conducting a review meeting in Madurai, terming it a direct assault on the sovereignty of the state and its Legislative Assembly. Accusing the governor of attempting to run a "rival government" and putting democracy into crisis, he stated, "That is not his job. He should not try to sit on top of the government." Veerapandian also announced that CPI will organise a 10-day foot-march movement from August 6 to 15 to engage directly with farmers, coastal communities and workers. The mobilisation will culminate in a massive rally in New Delhi on September 1, for which thousands of party cadres from Tamil Nadu will travel in special trains, he said. PTI JR KH