Poll proves our sway: Paneerselvam

By Our Tamil Nadu Bureau

CHENNAI, OCT. 24. ``My own house was burgled when I was guarding the State'', the Chief Minister, Mr. O. Paneerselvam, said when he was asked to comment on the defeat of the ruling AIADMK in his Periakulam constituency. He claimed that the AIADMK-led secular front had won `handsomely' in the local bodies elections.

In a brief chat with reporters at the airport here this morning, before leaving for Madurai, the Chief Minister said the AIADMK had demonstrated its hold over the State, particularly in urban areas and Corporations. This was contrary to the notion that the party held sway only in rural areas. He said the people had reposed their continued faith in the AIADMK and its leader, Ms. Jayalalithaa.

Asked about the reports of violence and complaints of electoral malpractices, Mr. Paneerselvam said the fact that the AIADMK lost in Periakulam proved these charges baseless. He complimented the police on maintaining law and order and ensuring the ``smooth conduct of the elections''.

In reply to the Congress' demand for a repoll for the Chennai Corporation, the Chief Minister shot back: ``This is the kind of demand when a party loses the election''.

Impartial fund allocation

Talking to the media in Madurai, Mr. Paneerselvam gave an assurance that the Government would be impartial in allocation of funds to local bodies.

The Chief Minister said he would initiate steps for opening talks with his Kerala counterpart on restoration of the full level of the Periyar dam. He had discussed this issue with the Kerala Irrigation Minister during his recent visit to Delhi and would take it up with the Kerala Chief Minister. He was hopeful that Kerala would not indulge in `delaying tactics' by inviting foreign experts.

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