Chennai: AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Wednesday accused the Tamil Nadu government of functioning like a “reels government”, alleging it avoids answering serious issues affecting Tamils.
His remarks came after AIADMK MLAs staged a walkout when the Speaker did not take up a notice seeking discussion on the death of a Tamil Nadu fisherman in an attack by Iranian sea pirates in the Saudi Arabian sea region.
Palaniswami said the party had submitted the attention motion under Assembly Rule 55 five days earlier. He stated that four fishermen from Mayiladuthurai district, who were staying in Saudi Arabia and engaged in fishing, had gone to sea on August 12.
According to him, one fisherman, Maveeran (38), was killed in the attack, while three others suffered serious injuries and are undergoing treatment in a Saudi hospital. He said the motion sought government intervention to bring the body back to Tamil Nadu, rescue and ensure proper treatment for the injured, and extend assistance to their families.
He further alleged that while earlier governments would raise their voice whenever Tamils were affected anywhere, the present administration speaks only in slogans and fails to protect Tamils, including those living abroad.
