Some Opposition members 'use abusive language' in Assembly floor: TN Minister S Ramesh

TIRUCHY: Claiming that some opposition members use abusive language inside the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, Minister S Ramesh on Sunday (August 23) defended the Speaker's decision to expunge unparliamentary remarks.

"Some former ministers seated in the back rows use abusive words and unparliamentary language whenever our current ministers speak. The opposition is acting with the mindset of turning the Legislative Assembly into a brawl," Ramesh said.

Speaking to reporters at Tiruchirappalli airport, the Minister asserted that the TVK-led government functions with complete democratic accountability.

"When running the Assembly democratically, answering everyone's voice and expunging unparliamentary words is a standard tradition. Everyone knows there was no room for democracy during the previous regime," Ramesh said, accusing opposition members of repeatedly disrupting proceedings and using abusive language inside the House.

Responding to queries on public distribution supplies, Ramesh acknowledged public grievances over grain quality and stated that corrective measures are underway.

"People in several places have raised complaints about being unable to consume the ration rice provided. The Chief Minister has taken firm steps to rectify these issues and ensure high-quality commodities are supplied through ration shops," he said.

Detailing initiatives undertaken by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department during the ongoing budget session, the minister highlighted works taken up for the restoration of 1,000-year-old temples, reconstruction of dilapidated shrines, and consecration ceremonies.

He dismissed political criticism over the announcement of a dedicated rest hall (mandapam) at the Anbil Mariamman Temple in Tiruchirappalli for devotees.

He said it is for devotees visiting after recovering from pox infections to fulfill vows. He termed the opposition narrative that the Mandapam is for those still inflicted with pox infections as "false propaganda".

On the financial management of temple projects, Ramesh said tenders worth Rs 246 crore for unviable and uncommenced works -- including proposed luxury guest houses -- were cancelled to prioritise devotee amenities and meet approximately Rs 400 crore in pending liabilities for ongoing temple renovation works.

Addressing crowd management at the Tiruchendur Subramaniyaswami Temple, the Minister said nearly 80 to 90 per cent of irregularities and darshan malpractices have been brought under control.

"A temple has a carrying capacity of around 30,000 devotees a day, but handling 50,000 to 60,000 people on peak weekends remains a logistical challenge. It has been only 100 days since the government took over. This is not cinema to change everything upside down overnight, but we are taking steady action step by step," Ramesh noted.

The minister further announced that pursuant to High Court directives, mobile phone deposit counters are being set up across more than 50 senior-grade temples in the state to safeguard sanctity and prevent unauthorised photography or video recording inside sanctum sanctorums.

He urged devotees to adhere to guidelines similar to those practised at Tirupati and appealed to media personnel to refrain from taking video cameras inside sanctums or asking political questions within temple premises.

On local infrastructure demands in Tiruchirappalli, Ramesh stated that ongoing bridge works causing traffic congestion are being closely monitored in coordination with district administration officials to ensure swift completion and commissioning.