December 2
All necessary measures were being taken to manage the damages caused by Ockhi cyclone in Kaniyakumari and for searching missing fishermen. The Centre has promised required support said Edappadi K Palanisamy.
Adressing reporters in Salem today, the Chief Minister said that the Prime Minister spoke to him last night and sought information about the effect of cyclone Ockhi, particularly in Kaniyakumari. He said that special rescue squad has been deputed to assist the Coast Guard search operation and other emergency efforts.
Stating that all efforts are being made to rescue the missing fishermen, the Edappadi K Paanisamy said that two ministers have been sent to the affected district who are monitoring relief and rescue efforts. Four IAS officers have been deputed to supervise the disaster management measures. The people are sheltered in emergency camps and steps were being taken to remove uprooted trees and electric power cables. Nearly 3885 electricity poles have been uprooted and over 2000 workers have been sent in the clearing the fallen poles and power restoring work. Superintending engineers, Executive Engineers and Engineers have been deputed from other districts to supervise the work. Power will be restored two days said the Chief Minister.
Regarding the chances of winning the R.K Nagar by-election, Edappadi K Palanisamy said the ruling AIADMK will retain the constituency. “The needs of the voters in the constituency has been addressed and that woud ensure victory” he said.
Hard work made me chief minister
Unleashing a scathing attack on DMK Working Secretary, opposition leader, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palanisamy said that hard work made him Chief Minister and not advantage of a family background as in the case of M.K Stalin.
Speaking at Ettapur near Attur today morning the Chief Minister said that he had come up the hard way. From an ordinary cadre over 40 years the progress within the party and the government had been gradual. Stating that his elevation was a reward for his hard work and loyalty to the party and to the government, he said that it was unike Stain who had the advantage of a poitica faminy background especialy that of his father. “ Stain’s political status cannot compared to mine” said the Chief Minister.