Facing criticism over handling of the impact of the torrential rains, Tamil Nadu chief minister J.
Facing criticism over handling of the impact of the torrential rains, Tamil Nadu chief minister J. Jayalalithaa Tuesday vowed to solidly stand by flood-affected people of the state and give them a new hope soon.
“I have forgotten the name given by my parents as you call me amma (mother). I have dedicated my life to you,” the chief minister assured in an emotional audio message released by the AIADMK IT wing through social media platform WhatsApp.
She expressed regret over the sufferings of people caused by the deluge caused by what she described as unprecedented rainfall in a century.
In the nearly two-and-a-half-minute audio message, the chief minister said her heart was with the people of the state and that she was “carrying your miseries”.
“There is no need for concern. This is your government. You have given me the power to overcome any challenge,” she said.
The AIADMK supremo, battling Opposition criticism of her government’s handling of the torrential rains and the subsequent deluge, besides the controversy over discharge of excess water from Chembarambakkam reservoir, assured people she will pull them out of their suffering and ensure new hope.
“This is for sure. I have directed rescue, rehabilitation and renovation work (to be done) on war-footing,” she said.
She insisted that her thoughts revolved around the people, especially the flood-affected, saying she did not have a family and that her home and heart lay with them.
“I carry all your miseries. I don’t have a private life; no relatives. I have no selfish requirements at all. You are everything to me,” she said.
“I have even forgotten the name given by my parents as you call me amma (mother). I have dedicated my life to you just because of this one word and am working hard for you,” she added.
Ms Jayalalithaa, who began her brief talk with the Tamil salutation “Vanakkam”, said it was “your dear sister Jayalalithaa speaking”.
