“The Chief Minister’s Secretariat is for doing their work, not for gazing at the sea!”
— MK Stalin
பட்டினப்பாக்கத்தில் யார் சொல்லி அமைகிறது புதிய தலைமைச் செயலகம்?
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) September 21, 2026
அரசாணை வெளியிட்டுவிட்டு இன்னும் முடிவு செய்யவில்லை எனப் பேசுவது யாரை ஏமாற்ற?
முதலமைச்சர் தனது வேலையைப் பார்க்கத்தான் தலைமைச் செயலகம்; கடலைப் பார்ப்பதற்கல்ல!
மீனவர்களின் வாழ்விடத்தையும் வாழ்வாதாரத்தையும்… pic.twitter.com/8CGethVQoW
Translation
Fishermen are protesting near Pattinappakkam beach, not because of any issues related to the sea but because of something on the land. To be a little more precise, something with a sea view.
They are protesting the proposed Secretariat complex.
Yes, which, if it comes up, will be near the southern end of the Marina coastline, in an area already dealing with traffic congestion and surrounded by fishing settlements and residential neighbourhoods.
Above all that noise rises another protest voice: that of the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
“The CM’s job is not gazing at the sea.”
He didn't stop there. The DMK president also questioned the choice of the location and referred to reports that an astrologer had advised that the Chief Minister’s office should face the sea. That remains an allegation.
Yes, when he was a hero, he did not wait for the stars to decide the right time for action. But that can't be said about when he became a CM.
But astrologer or stars, whoever suggested it, who wouldn't wish for a workplace with a sea view? But it seems that to get to the sea view, there are lots of mountains the CM has to cross.
The Tamil Nadu government’s proposal for a new Assembly-cum-Secretariat complex at Pattinapakkam has turned into a political storm, with DMK president MK Stalin opposing the location and backing protests by fishermen.
The proposed ₹1,200-crore complex is planned on a 25.55-acre site, with the government order directing the Public Works Department to prepare a Detailed Project Report and cost estimates. The proposed facility is expected to have around 20 lakh square feet of built-up space.
Stalin has more questions: he wants to know why exactly ‘the sea’!
That question, we feel, is a no-brainer. Chennai might be Singara Chennai and all, hot as well. You can't blame Vijay if, as a ‘Muthalvar’, he wishes for a bit of sea breeze on a hot day.
The Sani Dasa (crude translation — inauspicious period) of the Tamil Nadu Secretariat did not begin now. Former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi built a new Assembly-cum-Secretariat complex at the Omandurar Government Estate.
But J. Jayalalithaa, who took office after him in 2011, moved the government back to the historic Fort St George and the Omandurar complex was subsequently converted into a government multi-super-speciality hospital. Stalin has now suggested that the hospital could be shifted elsewhere and the building could be used again as the Secretariat.
Stalin is continuing his job — to oppose; therefore, there were more questions.
If the government is still only preparing a report, why has the Government Order already identified the site?
And if the site really was chosen because the Chief Minister’s office needs to face the sea, well...
Perhaps the DPR should include a horoscope too; heard a whisper, maybe from the crowd.
But beyond the questions and answers, the proposed site is in an area surrounded by fishing hamlets, residential neighbourhoods, schools, markets and existing traffic concerns.
Fishermen and other residents have raised concerns about the possible impact on livelihoods, access and traffic.
Opposition parties, including the DMK and AIADMK, have questioned the choice of site and suggested that alternatives be considered, while concerns have also been raised about housing for fishermen in the area.
But according to the government, they were just saying.
Stalin said TVK ministers had claimed that the Chief Minister had not taken a final decision and that only a Detailed Project Report had been mandated by the government. He argued that issuing the Government Order while saying that no final decision had been taken was an attempt to deceive the people.
So now there are two very different visions of the future.
One involves a new Secretariat — sea breeze, beach view, a fully packed resort vibe.
The other involves fishermen, who stare at the ceiling: where will they go?
And now, there is a third possibility: perhaps the sea view itself may have to move. With protests mounting, the government is reportedly exploring alternative sites along the East Coast Road. No final decision to abandon Pattinapakkam has been formally announced.
DPR Status: Horoscope Pending.
Sea View Status: Under Review.
Astrologer Status: Unconfirmed.
