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New Indian Express
12-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Tamil Nadu has contributed much to India's defence, says Minister Regupathy
PUDUKKOTTAI: Minister for Natural Resources S Regupathy on Sunday said no one in Tamil Nadu or anywhere in India would support Pakistan. Speaking to reporters, he said, 'In Tamil Nadu or anywhere else in India, no one will support Pakistan. Anyone who does, cannot call themselves Indian.' Furthermore, he said Tamil Nadu has made significant contribution to the country's defence spending (by way of taxes), even though it receives less in return. On the contentious sand mining issue, the minister clarified that the case is pending before the Supreme Court and that the state will comply fully with the court's directions. Pointing out that the price of construction materials like M-sand and P-sand have already been reduced from Rs 5,000 to Rs 4,000, the minister said steps would be taken to reduce it further. Answering a question about concerns raised by retired IAS officer U Sagayam about his safety, the minister said he can depose through video conference as per court order and the government will provide him protection if required. 'Our government stands by those who come forward to tell the truth,' he added.
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Min assures security to ex-IAS officer
Trichy: Mineral resources minister S Regupathy on Sunday said the govt will provide full security to the former IAS officer who investigated the granite scam ."The govt will not allow anyone to intimidate the former IAS officer. It will always protect those who come forward to speak the truth," he told reporters in Pudukottai. He was responding to a question about former IAS officer U Sagayam citing security concerns to attend a hearing in the granite scam case, and a special court asking him to attend via video to a question about his new portfolio as mineral resources minister, Regupathy said a meeting was held on Saturday with all stakeholders. "Recently, the land fee for mining minerals was increased on orders from the Union govt and the court. This is the reason for the rise in prices of construction materials. While the prices of m-sand and b-sand had already gone up, they have now been reduced. The govt will further reduce prices of construction materials wherever feasible," he said. The minister dismissed as baseless theories of anti-incumbency against the govt, and asserted that DMK would return to power next year."Part 2 of the Dravidian model of governance will begin with the 2026 regime. In the 2021 elections, some claimed that the stage was not set for M K Stalin. But he proved them wrong and created his own stage," he said. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Mother's Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
