Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan on Thursday, 11 June credited the Narendra Modi-led Union government for channelling significant financial resources to Tamil Nadu, citing an allocation of ₹7,500 crore under the rural employment scheme and dedicated funding for major river and canal restoration projects in the state. She made these remarks while speaking to reporters at Chennai airport.

River Restoration and Flood Relief Funding

Soundararajan highlighted that the Centre has sanctioned funds for the cleaning and rejuvenation of rivers including the Cooum, as well as for the long-pending restoration of the Buckingham Canal. She noted that during the monsoon season, overflowing waters from the Buckingham Canal had repeatedly inundated residential neighbourhoods, causing recurring hardship to local communities. The restoration project, she said, would help prevent flooding and strengthen water management across Chennai and surrounding regions.

Centre's Support to Tamil Nadu: BJP's Position

Thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the allocations, Soundararajan asserted that the Union government was extending all possible assistance to Tamil Nadu through development and welfare initiatives. She alleged that despite this support, a false narrative had been constructed suggesting the Centre was neglecting the state. Referring to the Prime Minister's recent outreach programme marking 12 years of his government in office, she said the achievements and welfare measures of that period had been placed before the public.

Healthcare and Government Doctors Policy

On the health sector, Soundararajan welcomed the Tamil Nadu government's decision barring doctors employed in government hospitals from engaging in private practice during official working hours. She said the move would improve doctor availability in public hospitals and strengthen healthcare delivery for ordinary citizens. Recalling that government doctors had previously been allowed to serve in private institutions due to a shortage of medical professionals, she said the revised policy would benefit patients who depend on public healthcare. She also stressed the need to upgrade basic hospital infrastructure, including water supply and essential amenities.

Law and Order, Drug Menace, and Women's Safety

Turning to governance, Soundararajan said maintaining law and order should be among the top priorities of the state government in its early months. She expressed concern over a rise in ganja-related offences, drug abuse, and crimes against women, calling for stringent action against offenders. While welcoming the formation of the Singappen Special Task Force for women's safety, she said corruption must also be tackled firmly.

Accountability Concerns: CMDA Permissions and Electricity Scam

Soundararajan raised questions over reports that more than 300 planning permissions had been issued by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) within 15 days, calling for greater transparency and accountability. She also questioned the delay in transferring the alleged electricity sector scam to the CBCID for investigation, asking whether there had been any attempt to shield those responsible. 'The government must govern with greater care and act with an iron hand against corruption and crime,' she said. She urged the administration to focus on decisive governance rather than criticising previous regimes.