Jaya corners Karunanidhi on Hogenakkal

Despite strong speculation, the name of Kanimozhi, a Rajya Sabha MP, did not figure in the list of new ministers. “We are not bothered whether she gets a minister’s post or not; we are more concerned about the drinking water needs of the people of two districts (Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri) where people are suffering from fluorosis due to consumption of water mixed with high levels of flouride,” she said.

Jayalalithha said that Karunanidhi had “failed” the people of the state by putting on hold the project, leading to “shock and anger” in Tamil Nadu.

“Even people in Chennai, who are not beneficiaries of the project, are staging demonstrations in support of the project, asserting the state’s right to it,” she said .

“There is a need for a government with a strong political will, which this government does not possess,” she said and called for the resignation of Karunanidhi. Jayalalithaa criticised Karunanidhi for his “unilateral” statement putting the project on hold, even as the Assembly session was on.”

“He wanted the support of all parties to move resolutions on Mar 27 and April 1, but did not convene a Cabinet meeting or consult other parties before making the announcement on putting the project on hold,” she said.