Tamil Nadu CM takes dig at Rajinikanth on river linking scheme

Thoothukudi: “Where were these leaders, who now voice for river linking projects,” asked the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Edappadi K Palaniswami in an ironic rap on actor Rajinikanth at Kovilpatti near here on Friday.

Inaugurating the second pipeline scheme completed to enhance drinking water supply to Kovilpatti town at a total cost of Rs 81.82 crore, he said that the scheme was designed with foresight by former Chief Minister, J Jayalalithaa to cater to the drinking water need of Kovilpatti till 2040, when the water needs of Kovilpatti has been estimated to reach 222 lakh litres.

Stating that some more drinking water schemes designed by ‘Amma’ were nearing completion to alleviate drinking water problems of the people, Mr. Palaniswami, 

however, without naming Rajnikanth hit out at his recent statement on river linking programmes. The Chief Minister posed: “Where were these people, who now speak of river linking project, when 'Amma' was waging legal battle for Cauvery water?”

Mr. Palaniswami, nonetheless, restricted his political comment as the stage was the venue for a government function, with a clarification that he did not mind anybody launching any party. But the ADMK would be dearer to the hearts of the people for ever, he added.