Chennai: Opposition to the TVK govt’s proposed ₹1,200 crore secretariat complex at Foreshore Estate gathered momentum on Saturday, with the CPI joining members of the fishing community in a protest at Marina beach. Revenue minister K A Sengottaiyan, however, dismissed the objections, saying opposition to development projects was “nothing unusual”.The CPI and the protesters demanded that the govt scrap the proposed secretariat complex, arguing that the project should not come at the cost of fishermen’s livelihoods. They also urged the govt to explore an alternative site.The protest came amid opposition to the project from the AIADMK, AMMK and PMK. NTK leader Seeman has also warned of protests if the Tamil Nadu govt proceeds with the proposal.Defending the decision, Sengottaiyan told reporters in Thanjavur that every development project faced opposition. “There will be objections to any project, whether it is laying a new pipeline, installing a tower or constructing a building. It is not new,” he said.The minister said the existing secretariat complex was facing space constraints as it stood on only 4.5 acres. “We are facing space congestion. So, everyone should think about having a new secretariat. Our chief minister wants to build a new secretariat and is taking efforts towards it,” he said.Sengottaiyan also recalled previous attempts by successive govts to build a new secretariat. The DMK govt had constructed a new secretariat complex, which was later converted into a hospital by former chief minister J Jayalalithaa. Jayalalithaa had also initiated plans to construct a new secretariat on the premises of Queen Mary’s College, but opposition parties created hurdles with the support of the Union govt, he said. “So, any project will face opposition, and it is not new,” Sengottaiyan said.The minister, however, did not respond to a question on the fishing community’s objections to the proposed site.
