Chennai, June 24 (IANS) The first Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) Council meeting after the formation of the new Tamil Nadu government witnessed dramatic scenes on Wednesday, as a heated exchange between DMK and AIADMK councillors escalated into a confrontation, briefly disrupting proceedings at the Ripon Building.
The meeting, chaired by Mayor R. Priya in the presence of Corporation Commissioner G.S. Sameeran and Deputy Mayor M. Mahesh Kumar, was held under tight security amid heightened political interest. A large number of police personnel were deployed around the Corporation headquarters to maintain order.
Attention initially centred on the display of photographs of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin inside the council hall. The presence of portraits representing both the ruling TVK-led government and the previous DMK administration became a talking point during the session.
Several civic and administrative issues were raised during the meeting. Manali Zonal Committee Chairman A.V. Arumugam urged the Corporation to adopt a resolution seeking the return of vacant civic land at Thanduvadi, which had earlier been handed over to Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL) for use as a lorry parking facility.
DMK councillor Chitrarasu and other members also called for the installation of photographs of M.K. Stalin in zonal committee meeting halls, citing an existing government order.
Meanwhile, AIADMK floor leader Satheesh Kumar highlighted the lack of basic amenities in Varma Colony, a residential area in his ward with around 2,000 residents. He alleged that, despite a sizeable voter population, the locality had been neglected and that no significant development work had been undertaken.
In response to the concerns, Mayor Priya explained that the area falls within an encroached zone, which limits the Corporation’s ability to execute infrastructure projects. She assured the council that officials would inspect the locality and submit a report.
Tensions rose when Zonal Committee Chairman Ravichandran attempted to speak on the issue. Satheesh Kumar reportedly asked him to remain seated, drawing objections from DMK councillor Kavi Ganesan. The verbal exchange quickly intensified, with councillors from both sides joining the argument.
The situation worsened after DMK members allegedly taunted the AIADMK over the absence of a leader. An agitated Satheesh Kumar walked towards the DMK benches, prompting ruling party councillors to confront him. During the commotion, Ward 1 councillor Sivakumar threw papers at the AIADMK leader, triggering further disorder inside the hall. Senior councillors later intervened and restored calm.
Clarifying the issue, Mayor Priya stated that while zonal committee chairpersons oversee development activities in their respective areas, MLAs are also entitled to attend zonal meetings, discuss constituency projects and share the dais with committee chairpersons.
Despite the disruption, the council completed its agenda and approved all 38 resolutions placed before the House.
–IANS
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