CHENNAI, July 4 -- A political row erupted in Tamil Nadu on Friday after Governor Rajendra Arlekar said his office would take the lead in restoring the stagnant Vaigai River if necessary, prompting sharp criticism from the ruling Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) government and attacks from the opposition.

Addressing an event at a college in Madurai on Thursday, Arlekar said he was surprised to find no water flowing in the Vaigai River.

"As I was coming from Madurai Circuit House, when we were crossing one bridge, he (Governor's personal assistant) showed me this is river. Its name is Vaigai river. I was surprised. You call this river? where is the water? there was no water in Vaigai river," he said.

Calling upon the youth to work towards ...