Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker targets national parties

Speaking to reporters, Thambidurai said the interim relief fund of Rs 350 crore released by the Centre is inadequate to undertake relief works for the people affected by the Gaja cyclone. With the parliament session set to commence soon, the AIADMK members would voice for the state and seek Rs 15,000 crore sought by both the CM and his deputy, he said.

Claiming the Central Government has been showing unwarranted slackness in releasing the relief fund, Thambidurai said, “Since there is no place for national parties in Tamil Nadu and Tamil sentiment and Dravidian feeling is upheld by the people here, national parties who come to power at the Centre neglect the State.”

The BJP led Centre granted permission for Mekedatu dam in Karnataka with an eye on the Lok Sabha polls, he added.

Strongly condemning the BJP, Thambidurai said the party has been helping the States in which they are dominant. Terming this as condemnable, he said, “The Centre should respect every State and their language and the culture. It should not neglect Tamil Nadu for political reasons.”

“The Congress is in power only in two States. It would soon become a regional party. Similarly, the BJP too would turn into a regional party as it would lose its strength after the upcoming elections,” Thambidurai said.