Banwarilal Purohit holds meet amidst criticism

KANCHEEPURAM: Unfazed by all-round criticism, Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit on Tuesday held a review meeting with officials in Kancheepuram district and also gave away financial aid to beneficiaries of maternity scheme. Purohit, who earlier held such meetings in Salem, Coimbatore, Madurai, Dharmapuri, Cuddalore, Krishnagiri and Nagapattinam, attended a slew of events here though there was opposition to his visit and review meetings. “The Governor viewed the presentation on features of Kancheepuram district made by collector P. Ponnaiah. Superintendent of Police Santosh Hadi Mani and heads of various departments were present during the meeting,” an official release from the Raj Bhavan said here.

It also said Purohit distributed Amma gift boxes to lactating mothers at the primary health centre at Paddappai in the district. Later addressing students of a government girls’ high school at Ekanampettai, Purohit stressed on the need for hygiene and simplicity. Purohit, who also participated in Swachch Bharat initiatives, later visited the Sankara mutt and received the blessings of Kanchi seer Jayendra Saraswathi, and offered prayers at the famous Kamakshi Amman temple.  Governor’s visit was marred by protests by DMK, which staged a black flag demonstration against the Governor for holding such a meeting here with officials.

Anbarasan said that his party was steadfast on its stand on the importance of state autonomy and flayed the ruling AIADMK for “supporting” the governor’s visits. Purohit faced protests during his visits to some of the districts in recent months, with DMK cadres showing black flags alleging that he was interfering with the state’s autonomy.