Govt welfare schemes only for AIADMK card holders; minister

Tamil Nadu Minister Sellur K Raju today stirred a hornets' nest when he said government welfare measures would be given only to AIADMK card holders, even as Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam said such schemes were for all.
"AIADMK party card is what identifies us and is equal to our life itself.... every party member should have it. All party members should have the card. Only if you have it, can you get government welfare schemes benefits either for you or your family, he said at a party event here.
The event was to enrol new members and renew membership of those who had completed five years.

Panneerselvam said all government welfare measures were aimed at benefiting the ordinary and poor people and all sections of society, irrespective of party affiliations.
On the vexed Cauvery river water issue, he said the Chief Minister was taking appropriate steps to secure the state's share of Cauvery water from Karnataka.
"The government will keep taking steps to get the water," he said.
On the local body polls, Raju said the AIADMK is always ready to face any polls.