Jaya wants constructive Opposition

CHENNAI: Urging the Opposition to be constructive in its approach to the policies of the State government, Chief  Minister J Jayalalithaa on Wednesday appealed to members of the Opposition to rise above politics and extend its cooperation to her efforts towards the growth of the State as well as towards protecting Tamil Nadu’s rights on various issues. Responding to felicitations from leaders of various political parties in the State Assembly, the Jayalalithaa said her government had always respected constructive ideas put forth by the Opposition. Drawing an analogy, she said the Opposition should be like an agappai (ladle) with which the food cooked in a vessel is tested. “The ladle (Opposition) should not attempt to break the vessel itself.  If the ladle does so, we have no other option but to retaliate,” she said.Stating that the ruling party and the Opposition were like a veena and strings attached to it, the CM said, “like the strings of the veena which produces music when played together, the Opposition, rising above politics, must support the government when it comes to the development of the State and protection of its rights.” Stating that though her government had many achievements to its credit over the past year, Jayalalithaa said, “I am aware that the power shortage remains to be resolved.  The government has been taking speedy steps to set this right and very soon the power shortage would be set right.”Thanking those who praised her for the government’s achievements in the first year of the AIADMK’s current term, she said, “I dedicate all the felicitations... to the people who have made me the Chief Minister of the State.”