COIMBATORE: TVK’s Kavundampalayam MLA Kanimozhi Santhosh has landed in controversy after pictures of her meeting with the Coimbatore corporation health officials at her “astrology office” went viral. In the pictures the MLA is seen seated on a “luxurious sofa” and the officials on normal chairs.
Expressing their objections to the seating arrangement, the critics, including many TVK cadre, questioned why the officials were summoned to her “astrology office”.
In her response, in a video, Kanimozhi said her “astrology office” is currently functioning as MLA office as the renovation works of her new office is underway.
“Until it is ready, I will be meeting the public, officials and everyone who wants to meet me at my old office, as usual,” she said, adding no matter where the office is, her doors will always be open for the people.
On the criticism about the seating arrangement, she said she had not disrespected anyone, as those were the furniture already present at her “astrology office”. In another controversy regarding her using the title of ‘Dr’, the MLA clarified out of personal interest, she took a doctorate in astrology from International Peace University.
She also said she is a lawyer by profession and holds a BA BL degree. “Whether it is a medical doctor or someone with a doctorate degree, people commonly refer to both as ‘Dr’ The title has become my nickname. Many of the videos that I post on social media are health-related.
So people assume I am a medical practitioner, and hence the controversy,” she said in a press meet. However, despite repeated attempts to get a response regarding controversies, including why she summoned officials to her office and allegations that her doctorate was fake, she offered no response.
On Tuesday, she conducted inspections at the Urban Primary Health Centres and the weekly market in Thudiyalur and Vellakkinaru. At the PHC, doctors raised issues of staff shortage and delays in receiving anti-rabies vaccines. Kanimozhi said steps would be taken to address both the issues.