The newly formed government by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) under the leadership of C. Joseph Vijay would complete five year rule, said CPI State secretary M. Veerapandian here on Tuesday.

Speaking to media persons after presiding over an agitation in front of the Virudhunagar Collectorate with various farmers’ associations, he said that the Chief Minister, who holds Home portfolio, should accord top priority in maintenance of law and order. “We need to give time for the new government....but curtailing offences should be done swiftly, which alone will instil confidence on the common man,” he said.

Drug menace, sexual offences against women and children, et al, should be dealt with an iron hand, he said.

On the Mekedatu dam construction row, the Communist leader said that it was a serious issue dealing two States. “The country, which has multilingual people has proved that unity is possible. The Cauvery water disputes should be handled with utmost care and the rulers should not forget about their responsibility. The Union government should not remain a mute spectator and ensure that sensible solution prevailed in larger public interest of both the States.

Like, Kerala government, which had categorically stated that the labour laws introduced by the Union government would not be implemented, unless they were amended; the new TVK government in Tamil Nadu should make an announcement. “We are not fighting with the Centre. But, we are interested in protecting the labour welfare. Bringing down from 44 Labour laws to 4 Codes is not acceptable,” Mr Veerapandian said.

Ammonia leak

The Ammonia leak from a private firm two days ago, reflected the lack of humaneness among the entrepreneurs. Making profits alone should not be the criterion. Welfare of workers was equally important. The Tamil Nadu government should examine the causes for such a lapse, which had led to casualty of over seven people so far. The officials should be made accountable and severe action taken for the negligence.

Asked about the stoic silence maintained by Mr. Vijay in the Assembly, the CPI leader said that the Assembly should not be a place to indulge in politics. In a democratic fabric, both the ruling and opposition parties representatives have equal responsibility of delivering welfare programmes and developments. “We wish the Chief Minister will speak at the right time. We are also confident that the TVK party will complete its full term,’ he stressed.