Chennai: Tamil Nadu Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management RB Udhaya Kumar on Sunday said that he has requested Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswamy to make Madurai as the second capital of the state. "We have requested the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu to make Madurai the second capital of the state," he said.
"This will provide opportunities for economic growth, industrial development, employment growth. If Madurai is declared as the second capital, the southern districts will grow," he added.
The statement of Kumar comes after Andhra Pradesh Governor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan gave nod to state's three-capital proposal.
With the idea of second capital for Tamil Nadu being proposed by the AIADMK leader, discussions have resurfaced among people that Madurai should be made the second capital for the state.
Citing the example of Jammu and Kashmir which when administrated as a state had two capitals, Udhayakumar stated, "I request the CM and Deputy CM O Panneerselvam to fulfil the dream of the people by making Madurai the second capital."
Asserting that Madurai is well-equipped with all modern facilities and infrastructure, the leader pointed out a minimum of 10,000 acres of land would be needed to make it the second capital which could be selected from city's outskirts.
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Meanwhile, Udhaya Kumar hailed former India cricketer MS Dhoni's achievements on the field and his impact beyond it after the latter announced his retirement from international cricket on Saturday.
"MS Dhoni is a youth's superstar. Young people affectionately call Dhoni as "Thala". Dhoni's retirement is the biggest loss for cricket fans. All of his accomplishments will be remembered though. His achievements will set a precedent for the younger generation to come," he said.
Expressing concern over youngsters getting consumed by playing too much Pubg, the Tamil Nadu minister said that he has requested the central government to ban it.
"Lot of young people are immersed in Pubg game. We have thus brought to the notice of the central government that it should be banned. I hope the central government will take appropriate action in this regard," he said.
With ANI inputs
