TN: Dhinakaran calls Guv’s address ‘gold‑plated tin’, targets TVK govt

Chennai, June 18 (IANS) AMMK General Secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the TVK‑led Tamil Nadu government, describing the Governor’s Address delivered in the Assembly as a “gold‑plated tin”, impressive in appearance but lacking substance and sincerity.

In a strongly worded post on X, Dhinakaran said the policy address presented by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, prepared by the state government, claimed to be founded on principles such as state autonomy, women’s welfare and safety, social justice, equal opportunities and inclusive governance. However, he argued that the speech failed to address key issues facing the state and instead projected a misleading picture of governance.

Referring to the address opening with a quote from former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai that “the people are the true masters of the nation,” Dhinakaran alleged that the government selectively invoked Anna’s legacy while ignoring his broader vision.

He criticised the reiteration of the two‑language policy and opposition to aspects of the National Education Policy, claiming such positions could adversely affect students by limiting their educational opportunities.

The AMMK leader further alleged that several demands repeatedly raised by Tamil Nadu, including making Tamil a language of proceedings in High Courts, establishing a bench of the Supreme Court in Chennai, shifting education from the Concurrent List to the State List, securing permanent solutions to fishermen’s issues and linking rivers, had merely been copied from previous Governors’ speeches without any concrete action plan.

Dhinakaran also faulted the government for failing to strongly oppose Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu dam project and Kerala’s repeated calls for a new dam at Mullaperiyar. He contended that the silence reflected the influence of the Congress, a coalition partner in the ruling alliance, over issues affecting Tamil Nadu’s rights and farmers’ interests.

Questioning the government’s claims on women’s safety, he pointed to recent incidents of murders, robberies and crimes against women and children. He said the Governor’s assertion that the government would create a safe environment for women appeared disconnected from ground reality.

While welcoming the announcement of a social justice survey to examine caste‑based representation and opportunities, Dhinakaran expressed disappointment that several major election promises, including financial assistance for women, free LPG cylinders, and other welfare schemes, were absent from the address.

Concluding his criticism, Dhinakaran urged Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to emulate the governance legacy of former leaders C.N. Annadurai and M.G. Ramachandran. He maintained that despite its lofty language and ambitious claims, the Governor’s Address ultimately resembled “a gold‑plated tin”, attractive on the surface but lacking meaningful content.

–IANS

aal/dan