Panneerselvam's mockery of poor: Forgets 22% population without food; Vows 'no meat' for Amma

Chennai, Oct 17: As the Shakesperean tragedy unfolds in

, Jaya's followers refuse to accept the reality of Amma behind bars. Let alone the villagers of Tamil Nadu who cry their lungs out in pain, the 'elite' and the creme de la creme of the Cabinet too have joined the mass in protesting and refusing to have food. Of course, their definition of not-having-food is different from the 21.9% of the population of the country who do not have food at all.

In a recent development, the present Tamil Nadu CM O P Panneerselvam has made vows of not shaving or eating meat till Jayalalitha is out on bail. According to The Telegraph, he is already sporting a 15-day old beard.

In 2013, the Indian government stated that 21.9% of its population is below its official poverty limit. Considering that this is the 'official' figure, we still do not know how many really go without food.

In a place where poverty, malnutrition and sanitation still form the major concerns, Mr Pannerselvam, doesn't your vow sounds a bit shallow? We show you how. An article by the Economic Times suggests that 22% of India's population is undernourished, according to Food and Agricultural Organization in India. National Family Health Survey (NFHS-3 ) data reveal that 48% of children under-five years suffered from low height-for-age (stunting ) and 42.5% from low weight-forage (underweight).

Let us take the state statistics alone. According to a 2004-2005 statistics by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, close to 22.5% of the population in Tamil Nadu itself are below the poverty line.

Sir, wouldn't it be better that you concentrated on the state affairs, instead of making tall claims in Jaya's trials? Let the court do its work.

[Read: Live updates of Jaya's bail plea hearing in SC]

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