Chennai, 18 June (H.S.):The first session of the 17th Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly under the newly elected TVK-led coalition government commenced on Thursday with Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar delivering a 39-minute address that laid out the administration’s policy priorities, welfare commitments and long-term development agenda.

Concluding his address with a verse from the Thirukkural, Governor Arlekar unveiled the government’s five-year development blueprint, titled “Vetri Thamizhagam”, which aims to transform Tamil Nadu into a model state for the nation by 2031.

The Governor assured the House that existing welfare measures for senior citizens and pensioners would continue without interruption. He said the government was committed to strengthening social security programmes while simultaneously investing in infrastructure, education and sports development.

Highlighting the government’s focus on sports, Arlekar announced plans to establish world-class training facilities and support systems to help Tamil Nadu athletes compete successfully at national and international levels.

In a significant announcement on temple administration, the Governor said all temples functioning under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department would be audited. The exercise, he said, would ensure transparency, accountability and better management of temple resources.

Addressing key inter-state water disputes, Arlekar reiterated Tamil Nadu’s firm opposition to Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu dam project and said the government would pursue all legal and constitutional measures to safeguard the state’s share of Cauvery waters. He also stressed the need for groundwater conservation through the construction of check dams and the expansion of rainwater harvesting initiatives.

On the Mullaperiyar dam issue, the Governor said Tamil Nadu would continue to protect its rights and interests while responding to Kerala’s repeated calls for a new dam.

Law and order featured prominently in the address. Arlekar said anti-narcotics units had been established in every district to tackle the growing drug menace. He also promised stringent action against illegal liquor sales and asserted that crimes against women would be dealt with firmly, with severe punishment for offenders.

Reaffirming Tamil Nadu’s commitment to the two-language policy, the Governor urged the Union Government to provide adequate support for integrated education initiatives. He also underlined the TVK administration’s resolve to provide a corruption-free government.

Describing the emergence of TVK as a landmark moment in Tamil Nadu politics, Arlekar said the party’s rise represented a major political transformation comparable to the victories of C.N. Annadurai in 1967 and M.G. Ramachandran in 1977. He noted that TVK had formed a government within two years of its launch and emerged as the single largest party in the recent Assembly elections.

In a notable departure from past controversies surrounding gubernatorial addresses, the Governor paid tribute to social reformer Periyar E.V. Ramasamy, Dr B.R. Ambedkar, K. Kamaraj, freedom fighter Velu Nachiyar and independence activist Anjalai Ammal, describing them as inspirations for the government’s policy framework.

Opening his speech with a reference to former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai, Arlekar expressed confidence that the new Assembly would engage in constructive debate and work collectively for the welfare and progress of the people of Tamil Nadu.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman