TN Guv addresses House, seeks ₹4,854 crore for cyclone relief

Chennai: Amid a boycott by opposition parties led by the DMK, Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit on Monday made his maiden address to the state assembly, urging the Centre to sanction Rs 4,854 crore towards Cyclone Ochki rehabilitation work.

Soon after he arrived in the House, Purohit greeted all members with a 'Vanakkam' and began his address.

Even as he began his speech, Leader of the Opposition MK Stalin was on his feet trying to raise some issues.

The governor paused for a moment and told Stalin 'please utkkarunga' (please take your seat) in Tamil but to no avail.

Stalin was supported by his party MLAs, who raised slogans demanding that their leader be allowed to speak.

A little later, the DMK Working President led his party members and staged a walkout. Congress members and the lone IUML legislator also followed suit.

Amid noisy scenes, sidelined AIADMK leader TTV Dhinakaran, who made his debut in the assembly after having won the December 21 RK Nagar bypoll by a thumping margin of 40,000 votes against E Madhusudhanan of AIADMK, was seated calmly.

Later, Purohit resumed his address which was peppered with praise to late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's vision and expression of thanks to the Centre for fund-releases towards instances including an "on-account" release of Rs 133 crore for cyclone Ockhi rehabilitation work.

"I urge the Central government to...sanction the due release of Rs 401 crore for temporary restoration and Rs 4,854 crore for permanent restoration towards damages caused by Cyclone Ockhi."

Thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for visiting cyclone-hit Kanyakumari, he said the Centre should ask its team which visited Tamil Nadu to assess storm damages to expeditiously submit its report. Recalling the financial assistance provided by the State government to the bereaved families vis-a-vis the storm, he said Tamil Nadu was committed to continuing rescue efforts till the last fisherman was rescued.

Lauding the State for achieving a smooth transition to the GST regime, he said Tamil Nadu's fiscal position has been "resilient" and continues to be so despite unexpected setbacks in revenues.

"Though there is a concern about increasing revenue deficit due to slow growth in revenue receipts, the State is firmly on the path of containing the fiscal deficit and Debt to GSDP ratio within the norms."

Referring to his State-wide tours, Purohit complimented Tamil Nadu for "active participation," in "Swachh Bharat Mission," which was being pursued by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a "missionary zeal."