No community spread, all under control in TN, says CM

No community spread, all under control in TN, says CM

‘Stalin Is The Only Leader Politicizing Pandemic’

Subburaj.A @timesgroup.com

Coimbatore:26.06.2020

The spread of coronavirus is under control in Tamil Nadu because of the efforts taken by the state government in the last 90 days, said chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Thursday.

The CM, who chaired a meeting to review Covid-19 containment measures and development projects in the city, told reporters that there was no community transmission in the state. “We have traced all the source of the infection. We (officials and media) could not have gathered here if there was community spread,” Palaniswami said.

He said that he would visit all the districts in the state to check on the containment measures taken to halt the spread of coronavirus and other development work.

“DMK chief MK Stalin is the only leader in India to politicize Covid-19 pandemic. Stalin has not given any valid suggestions to prevent the spread of Covid-19 to the state government. He is spreading rumours against the government,” Palaniswami reacted to DMK leader’s charge that the state government had wasted 90 days of lockdown without containing the spread of the virus.

“DMK failed to follow the state government’s instruction while distributing relief materials. At least 500 people were affected with Covid-19 due to this,” he said.

On the custodial deaths of a father-son duo in Sathankulam, the chief minister said the state government would take steps as directed by the Madras high court.

The CM said the Director General of Police (DGP) had been instructed to advise all the policemen in the state to treat the traders politely. He said Athikadavu -Avinashi ground water recharge project would be completed by December 2021. In the second phase of the project, Karamadai, Annur, Periyanaickenpalayam and few other areas will be added in the project. To implement the Anamalayar-Nallaru project, the state government will hold talks with the Kerala government soon.

The chief minister said a detailed project report would be prepared for implementation of metro train project in Coimbatore. “Once the DPR is prepared, we will seek permission from the Union government to implement the project,” he said.

He said the state government has not received any report in connection with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) taking over the co-operative credit societies. “We came to know that co-operative credit societies located in urban areas will come under RBI,” he said.

If any private financiers are threatening the self-help group (SHGs) members for immediate return of loan amount during Covid-19 situation, the SHG members can approach the state government. Action will be initiated against the financiers, Palaniswami said.

MAKING A QUICK STOP: Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, minister S P Velumani, a few MLAs, and officials made a surprise stop at Gandhipuram central bus stand in Coimbatore, where the CM got into a bus and interacted with passengers. He advised them to maintain social distancing and wear face masks without fail. He asked a few passengers waiting to board buses whether they had received the state government’s Covid-19 relief assistance. He interacted with some shopkeepers and checked the quality of masks on sale