NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu minister A Rajmohan on Sunday defended the state government’s decision to build a new assembly-cum-secretariat complex, saying “severe space constraints” at the existing premises have made an alternative necessary.“The space constraints at the current premises are genuine. The number of visitors, petitioners, legislators and ministers is increasing every day. The government is actively exploring alternatives, and the chief minister will take a final and amicable decision, keeping public interest and people’s views in mind,” he told reporters in Tirunelveli.Responding to criticism from AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami, who described chief minister C Joseph Vijay as a “costly CM” and questioned the proposed expenditure on a new secretariat amid the state’s debt burden, Rajmohan said the proposal was driven by practical requirements rather than luxury.Earlier this month, CM Vijay announced plans for a new integrated assembly-cum-secretariat complex estimated to cost Rs 1,200 crore, signalling the government’s intention to move out of the historic Fort St George in Chennai.The TVK-led Tamil Nadu government has already granted in-principle approval for the proposed complex at Foreshore Estate in Chennai and directed the Public Works Department (PWD) to prepare a detailed project report, including cost estimates, within three months.
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According to a PWD order, the proposed complex will be spread across 25.55 acres, with an approximate built-up area of 20 lakh square feet. The facility is planned to include modern amenities and house both the legislative assembly and the secretariat.(With PTI inputs)