Did TN Minister T.R.B. Rajaa Justify CM Stalin's Hospital Duties Against EPS's Criticism?
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Synopsis
In a heated exchange, Tamil Nadu Industries Minister T.R.B. Rajaa defended Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's ability to govern from his hospital bed after being criticized by Edappadi K. Palaniswami. Rajaa highlighted the stark differences in their leadership styles and questioned Palaniswami's past decisions, particularly during crises.
Key Takeaways
- CM M.K. Stalin maintained governance while hospitalized.
- T.R.B. Rajaa criticized Edappadi K. Palaniswami's leadership approach.
- Comparison drawn between their responses to crises.
- Rajaa questioned Palaniswami's handling of electricity and LPG price issues.
- The political landscape in Tamil Nadu remains contentious.
Chennai, July 30 (NationPress) Tamil Nadu Industries Minister T.R.B. Rajaa responded on Wednesday to the criticisms leveled by the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) and former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) concerning Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's ability to manage his duties while hospitalized.
Rajaa emphasized that Chief Minister Stalin's proactive leadership style might astonish someone like Palaniswami, who had "never effectively engaged with the people during any crisis" during his tenure as Chief Minister.
In his statement, the Minister highlighted that CM Stalin was able to maintain governance without any interruptions while receiving treatment.
"He (CM Stalin) convened meetings with officials, assessed the state government's operations, kept tabs on the progress of the Ungaludan Stalin scheme, gathered feedback from district collectors about their field activities, prepared the memorandum for the Prime Minister's visit to Tamil Nadu, and even connected directly with the public," Rajaa noted.
By contrasting Stalin with Palaniswami, the Minister criticized Palaniswami's management of the 2018 anti-Sterlite protests in Thoothukudi.
"This is the same individual under whose leadership police actions led to the deaths of 13 innocent people. He later claimed, 'I just saw it on TV; only then I got to know.' For someone like him, Chief Minister Stalin's hands-on leadership will understandably be surprising," Rajaa remarked.
The Industries Minister also chastised Palaniswami for his "theatrics," likening it to the dramatic accounts that former AIADMK leaders supposedly created about former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa's hospitalization.
"Those who once penned melodramatic tales about 'Amma eating idli, engaging with nurses, watching TV, consuming khichdi, gifting nurses, and providing insightful advice to doctors' must cease their low-level dramatics," Rajaa added.
In response to Palaniswami's criticisms regarding the recent increase in electricity tariffs, the Minister reminded him that he was the one who endorsed the Centre's Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY) pact after Jayalalithaa's passing.
"Jayalalithaa had refused to join the scheme. EPS betrayed Tamil Nadu by signing that agreement. Even the most remote villages are aware of this fact. Now he feigns concern about electricity tariffs," Rajaa stated.
Additionally, he questioned Palaniswami's silence regarding the surge in LPG cylinder prices under the central government.
"In 2014, the price of a domestic LPG cylinder was ₹414; now it has skyrocketed to ₹868.50. Is the Leader of the Opposition unaware of this, or is he, as usual, pretending?" Rajaa inquired.
Point of View
It's crucial to maintain an unbiased view while presenting the facts. The exchange between Rajaa and Palaniswami reflects ongoing tensions in Tamil Nadu politics. Each side presents valid points, but the focus should remain on leadership accountability and the welfare of the public.
NationPress
31/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did T.R.B. Rajaa say about CM Stalin's hospital duties?
Rajaa praised CM Stalin for his hands-on leadership while hospitalized, asserting that he maintained governance without disruptions.
How did Rajaa compare Stalin and Palaniswami?
Rajaa criticized Palaniswami for his lack of engagement during crises and referenced his handling of the 2018 anti-Sterlite protests.
What was Palaniswami's response to electricity tariff hikes?
Rajaa reminded Palaniswami that he had signed the UDAY power scheme agreement, which had implications for electricity tariffs.
What does Rajaa say about LPG prices?
He highlighted the significant increase in LPG cylinder prices since 2014 and questioned Palaniswami's silence on the issue.
What are the criticisms against Palaniswami's leadership?
Rajaa accused Palaniswami of dramatizing issues and failing to effectively lead during critical events.
