War of words between TN CM and leader of the Opposition

At a time when the country is at war with the invisible enemy coronavirus, a war of words erupted on Saturday in Tamil Nadu between Chief Minister K. Palaniswami and leader of the Opposition in the Assembly and DMK President M.K. Stalin.

Chennai, April 11 At a time when the country is at war with the invisible enemy coronavirus, a war of words erupted on Saturday in Tamil Nadu between Chief Minister K. Palaniswami and leader of the Opposition in the Assembly and DMK President M.K. Stalin.

In a letter Stalin asked Palaniswami not to delay on extending the lockdown period to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the state. Stalin said there should be enough time for the people to mentally prepare for the lockdown extension.

He also said the "one nation, one corona and one procurement" policy should be avoided as it delays the measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

Demanding adequate protective equipment for the medical professionals treating Covid-19 patients, Stalin also said the government should give a special assistance of Rs 5,000 to the poor and also rice, oil, pulses and other essential items free of cost.

Stalin also said that face masks and sanitisers should also be provided to the people free of charge.

Palaniswami responded by saying that Stalin has only levelled baseless charges against the government on the pretext of offering suggestions to combat Covid-19, "showing his political opportunism".

Palaniswami said doctors, nurses, police and others are working day and night and Stalin's charges are nothing but an insult to them.

He also said Stalin's criticism of the government's move to take Rs 1 crore from each Members of Legislative Assembly Local Area Development Scheme to combat Covid-19 shows is double standards.

( With inputs from IANS )