Communist Party of India (CPI) State secretary M. Veerapandian on Monday (August 17) urged the TVK-led government in Tamil Nadu to fulfil its electoral promises and focus on issues affecting workers, the poor and marginalised sections as it completed 100 days in office.
Speaking to reporters after participating in a CPI demonstration in front of the Coimbatore Collectorate, Mr. Veerapandian said the government should prioritise people-centric issues and ensure that its election commitments are implemented.
On the rise in drug abuse and violent crimes, he said the government should take special measures to eradicate the drug menace. “It cannot be left to one party or the government alone. All sections of society have a responsibility to eliminate drug abuse,” he said.
Referring to recent murders in Coimbatore district, including the murder of college student Amudhan, he said the police should conduct a proper investigation and ensure those responsible are brought to justice. Such incidents are unacceptable, he said and called for greater emphasis on education and social awareness to prevent violence.
On the killing of three persons near the Tamil Nadu-Karnataka border by the Karnataka Forest Department, he said people crossing State borders while grazing cattle or pursuing their livelihood is common. Those responsible for the killings should be brought before the courts and punished, and the victims’ families should be provided compensation, he said.
Turning to Coimbatore-specific issues, Mr. Veerapandian urged the government to revive and strengthen the Siruvani and Pilloor drinking water sources and implement the long-pending Pandiyaaru-Ponnambalaaru and Nallaru projects.
He sought the implementation of the Coimbatore metro rail project, widening of the Neelambur-Madukkarai road into a six-lane corridor, and establishment of a railway division and an industrial estate in Coimbatore.
He also urged the government to expedite the distribution of free house-site pattas to eligible people, restore tribal lands to their rightful owners and implement the Forest Rights Act, 2006. He sought the establishment of a High Court Bench in Coimbatore and relocation of the sewage treatment plant at Chinnavedampatti.
“These are long-pending, people-centric demands. The district administration and the Chief Minister should take steps to address them,” he said.
