Erode: Tamil Nadu minister K.A. Sengottaiyan on Friday said there was “no mistake” in the state government appointing Venkata Narayana as its special representative in New Delhi.
The appointment has drawn criticism from opposition parties, who questioned how Narayana—reported to have roots outside Tamil Nadu—would strongly represent the state’s interests, especially in the backdrop of the Mekedatu dam issue and political developments in Karnataka.
Responding to the criticism, Sengottaiyan said such appointments are a policy decision and that every Indian has equal rights in this regard. He added that government representatives are deputed to Delhi to work within the national framework, and therefore the appointment should not be viewed as problematic.
He further asserted that those appointed by the Chief Minister would speak for Tamil Nadu on all matters, including central schemes and inter-state river water disputes, and would be prepared to argue and raise the state’s concerns.
Separately, minister Nirmal Kumar said the special representative’s role is primarily one of coordination and not a decision-making post. He also stated that Narayana is a trusted person of the Chief Minister.
