Tamil Nadu Revenue and Disaster Management Minister K.A. Sengottaiyan supported the state government’s choice to name K. Venkata Narayana, a producer of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s film Jana Nayagan, as the Special Representative in New Delhi. He clarified that appointing government representatives is a policy decision open to all citizens, emphasizing that the appointee would prioritize Tamil Nadu’s interests. The State government’s order designated Venkata Narayana, a businessman and film producer, as the Special Representative in the national capital for a one-year term.
The decision faced criticism from the Opposition DMK, particularly regarding the appointee’s background and the potential impact on Tamil Nadu’s interests in inter-state disputes. DMK Rajya Sabha MP Tiruchi Siva expressed surprise and concern over the appointment, questioning whether Venkataraman, being from Karnataka, would effectively safeguard Tamil Nadu’s concerns, especially regarding the Mekedatu dam project. Siva highlighted Chief Minister Vijay’s commitment to opposing the project and demanded clarity on how the state’s interests would be protected.
Senior DMK leader and Lok Sabha MP A. Raja criticized the government for favoring influential individuals over experienced policymakers and public representatives. Raja raised doubts about the government’s priorities and mocked its promise of bringing about “change.” The appointment has sparked political tensions in Tamil Nadu, with the Opposition seeking transparency on why a Karnataka native was chosen to represent the state in New Delhi, while the government defends the decision as serving Tamil Nadu’s best interests.
