CAA: Guv assures guarding interests of all, DMK shuns address

In the backdrop of recent protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act, Governor Banwarilal Purohit on Monday asserted in the Tamil Nadu Assembly that the government was committed to protecting the interests of all citizens irrespective of their religion.

The main opposition DMK and its allies including the Congress, however, staged a walkout and boycotted his address amid slogans against the CAA.

In his customary address to the House, Purohit said the government was "firmly treading" the path laid by late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa and the focus was on the socio- economic growth of Tamil Nadu.

Without any direct reference to the CAA or protests against it, Purohit said the government "will ensure that the interests of all citizens regardless of religion or creed are protected."
He blamed the AIADMK government for supporting the CAA in the Parliament and "betraying minorities and the Tamil refugees from Sri Lanka."
The state eagerly awaited the 15th Finance Commission recommendations and the government is hopeful of a "fair and equitable distribution of resources, which rewards efficiency and performance."
"However, there are a few outstanding issues in the release of dues to Tamil Nadu which are being followed up closely."
As of now, 17 fishermen continue to be in Sri Lankan custody and the Centre "should intervene and have this issue amicably resolved at the earliest."