Jayalalithaa promises steps to halt GAIL over TN farm lands

Dharmapuri

"I would like to assure you that by continuing to urge the central government, I will take steps to ensure that GAIL did not lay pipelines over farmlands for its project," she told an election rally.

Approximately, 300km in Tamil Nadu spread over Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Coimbatore, Tirupur, Salem, Erode, and Namakkal districts come under the natural gas pipeline project of GAIL that originates in Kerala.

"I am firm that all projects should only be for the welfare of the people," she said amid thunderous applause and added that farmers were against laying pipelines over farm lands.

Recalling the protracted legal battle waged up by Tamil Nadu against laying pipelines over farmlands, she said a review petition too against it was dismissed by the Supreme Court.

She said she had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February over the issue after the apex court declined to entertain the state's plea.

She accused DMK of 'indulging in false propaganda' that the Combined Hongenakkal Drinking Water Scheme was implemented by it. During DMK rule, only 18 per cent of the project was implemented, she said.

"After I assumed power, the work was implemented on a war footing and the Rs.1,700 crore scheme was inaugurated by me in 2013."

Earlier, she detailed a host of welfare schemes starting from distribution of 20 kilo free rice through PDS outlets and freebies like mixies, grinders.

She also mentioned the green houses scheme, Rs.1000 old age pension and noted that all such schemes were her party AIADMK's poll promise of 2011.

"I did what I promised, and going beyond, I did many things more which I did not say," she said and referred to Amma brand of schemes beginning with Amma Unavagam, (low-cost food chain across the state), Amma Salt, Amma Pharmacies, and farm fresh vegetables at cost-effective prices and several other welfare schemes.

"Did you expect such schemes. No, I did these on my own. Only a mother knows what is needed for her children. Do not think that the welfare schemes are only this much, when voted back to power many more such welfare schemes will be implemented," Jayalalithaa said.

"I have dedicated my life for the people of Tamil Nadu," she said and listed out many welfare and growth schemes.

She said that her government 'believes in inclusive economic growth' and narrated how it implemented education, job and self-employment schemes for the benefit of Scheduled Castes, Tribes, backward classes, minorities and the marginalised people. She also reiterated her promise of phased prohibition when AIADMK is voted back to power.