Chennai: With Jayalalithaa undergoing treatment in Apollo Hospitals, Tamil Nadu Governor Vidyasagar Rao on Tuesday allocated the portfolios held by the Chief Minister to Finance Minister O Paneerselvam until she resumes her charges.
However, it was said that the AIADMK supremo would continue to be CM.
Paneerselvam will also preside over Cabinet meetings. Raj Bhavan said that the arrangement had been made as per Jayalalithaa's advice.
Among others, Jayalalithaa holds police and home and general administration portfolios.
Portfolios looked after by Honourable Amma have been allocated to Finance Minister O. Panneerselvam on the advice of Puratchi Thalaivi Amma.
— AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) October 11, 2016
Puratchi Thalaivi Amma will continue to be the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
— AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) October 11, 2016
Following is the release by the Raj Bhavan:
"Under Clause (3) of Article 166 of the Constitution of India, the Governor of Tamil Nadu today allocated the subjects hitherto dealt by Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa to O Paneerselvam. Mr Panneerselvam, Minister of Finance, Personnel and Administrative Reforms, will also preside over the Cabinet meetings. The arrangement has been made as per the advice of the Chief Minister and will continue under she resumes her duties. She will continue to be the Chief Minister."
Jayalalithaa (68), was admitted to hospital on September 22 after she complained of fever and dehydration.
Yesterday, the hospital had said that she continued to be under treatment and was being constantly monitored by intensivists and other consultants in the expert panel, while respiratory support, antibiotics, nutrition, supportive therapy and passive physiotherapy were being given to her
Puratchi Thalaivi Amma is being constantly monitored by expert panel -Apollo Hospital. pic.twitter.com/9vUKEULo6s
— AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) October 10, 2016
Police warn rumour-mongers of stern action
Meanwhile, with social media being used to spread rumours and 'malicious content' about Jayalalithaa's health, police today enlisted private cyber experts to keep a watch on platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp and warned of stern action against those indulging in such acts.
"We have formed a few police teams. And the help of cyber experts from private agencies has been sought. They will help the Cyber Crime wing," a senior official of Central Crime Branch (CCB) of City Police dealing with the matter told PTI.
He said the Cyber Crime wing will keep a watch on social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp and YouTube which are allegedly being misused to spread rumours about Jayalalithaa.
Also Read - Tamil Nadu Police registers 43 cases against posting of 'false' content on Jayalalithaa's health
Special teams, constituted to investigate such cases, were working to identify those who had posted such 'false and malicious content' on social media, they said, adding such 'offences are liable to be punished with rigorous imprisonment for more than seven years'.
"Users of social media are advised not to spread false, malicious and motivated information regarding the health condition of the CM of Tamil Nadu. Stern action will be taken against the culprits, if any such content is noticed," police added.
(With Agency inputs)
