Thoothukudi Thermal Power Station Chief Engineer E X Mary Magdalin Princy’s circular regulating banners, flagpoles, wall posters and pandals has sparked more heat than the plant itself. The order requires labour unions to obtain prior written permission for such displays, warning that if someone violates the norm, they will be removed without notice. Unions have cried “authoritarianism”, but some have gone a step further. An LPF leader alleged that the move reflects the fact that the ruling TVK has no affiliated labour union at the plant and is intending to keep rival labour fronts subdued. A circular meant to tidy the premises has ended up untidying the politics.
S Godson Wisely Dass
Slip-up on Vijay day
A marathon organised in Melur to mark Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay’s birthday celebrations got off to a lively start on Sunday, with Higher Education Minister P Viswanathan inaugurating the event. Ahead of the flag-off, the minister joined woman cadre of TVK for a dance to one of Vijay’s popular songs, much to the delight of party workers and supporters gathered at the venue. The minister’s speech, however, featured an unintended twist. While extending his greetings, he accidentally referred to MK Stalin as the chief minister instead of Vijay. As party members standing nearby quickly pointed out the slip, he immediately corrected himself and continued his address with the right name, putting the brief mix-up behind him.
Jeyalakshmi Ramanujam