Edappadi K Palaniswami cabinet prepares strategy for Assembly

Chennai: As the principal opposition DMK is bracing up to corner the State government on a range of issues like the Cauvery dispute and the cattle sale for slaughter ban in the Assembly session, which commences on June 14, Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami held a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday to discuss the counter strategy.

The DMK, which held a meeting of legislators, chalked out its plans for the 24-day session during which there will be discussion on demands for grants of various ministries. The meeting listed the issues to be taken up during the zero hour, the motions to be moved and the stand to be taken up on the various bills to be moved in the session to be held till July 19.

Commenting on the strategy, party sources said that on the very first day they would take up the charges of bribes paid to AIADMK MLAs during the confidence motion moved by Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami in February.

Besides, they have prepared to raise the issues of drought, water scarcity, formation of Cauvery Management Board, ban on cattle sale for slaughter, the NEET examination and farm loan waiver.

The DMK is keen to charge the state government with not raising its voice against the BJP government on issues that affect the state welfare and rights.

The Chief Minister who convened the Cabinet meeting on the eve of the session discussed the government's response to the charges of DMK.

The treasury benches are certain to dig up the past when the DMK was a constituent of the UPA government. Besides, the government would highlight the schemes implemented by the state government after Palaniswami assumed power. The government also wants to dispel the strong impression that the government is inactive by coming out with attractive schemes.

The ruling party is confident that it is unlikely to face trouble from the supporters of AIADMK deputy general secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran, who had promised to wait for two months before taking any action. His supporters too had publicly assured support to the Palaniswami government allaying fears of opposition from its own ranks during the session.

The government is planning to move the GST Bill, besides an amendment bill for reservation in the local bodies. The DMK which supported the GST Bill in Parliament had suggested some changes to allay the fears of traders, cinema industry and jewelers and it is to be seen if the party brings cut motions when the bill is introduced.

Treasury benches

The treasury benches are certain to dig up the past when the DMK was a constituent of the UPA government and faced charges of betrayal on various issues. The  government will also highlight the schemes implemented by the state government after Palaniswami assumed power.