Chennai: Accusing the Opposition DMK of not “having the heart to appreciate” the good work of former CM J. Jayalalithaa and her government, Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam lashed out at the DMK saying it was under the veil of “illusion” and hence was seeing things obviously not present.

“Opposition leader (M. K. Stalin) had quoted from the Rime of the Ancient Mariner (written by Samuel Taylor Coleridge), when he said ‘water, water, everywhere; nor any drop to drink,’” said Mr. Panneerselvam whose maiden reply to the House after he become CM was marred by frequent interruptions by the DMK members.


Wondering why Mr Stalin had so much confusion over “statement of policy,” Mr. Panneerselvam said, “the Governor’s address is the water that quenches thirst. There is no need to frame new schemes annually. Schemes should be restructured based on people’s needs and conditions and they should be brought only if there is need. I would only say it’s your mirage…. You seem to find fault because of your wishful thinking.”

Govt will take legal steps to prevent dam construction: Winding up the debate on the motion of thanks to the Governor for his address to the Assembly, on Wednesday, O. Panneerselvam assured that the AIADMK government would take all legal steps to prevent Karnataka from constructing any dam across Cauvery river in violation of the final award of the Cauvery water disputes tribunal.

He said due to the legal battle waged by Jayalalithaa, the Centre had notified the final award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal in the government gazette after six years.