TIRUCHY: The monthly council meeting of the city corporation witnessed heated exchanges between a DMK councillor and mayor Mu Anbalagan, which resulted in the former’s suspension for two meetings. When V Ramadoss of ward 55 tried to raise an issue, Mayor Anbalagan intervened and accused him of illegally installing a water connection in his ward.
This led to a heated argument between the two. Anbalagan instructed officials to file a police complaint. Ramadoss responded by questioning Anbalagan’s leadership, and said he was ‘unfit to be Mayor.’ Enraged, Anbalagan ordered officials to remove Ramadoss from the meeting hall and announced that he would be suspended for the next two council sessions.
T Muthuselvam of ward 57 said rules were not followed in awarding tenders for two-wheeler parking, and toilets at the Chathiram bus stand. “Tender for the two-wheeler parking lot is given every three years, with a 10% increase in value. In 2022-2023, tender was awarded for Rs 23 lakh, This year, without issuing a fresh tender , the contract has been given to the same contractor for Rs 28.01 lakh.”
He added that tender for toilet facilities was awarded for 52 lakh without issuing a notice. Muthuselvam further said “Ibrahim Park has been rented out for just Rs 10,000, though it could easily fetch Rs 5 to Rs 6 lakh annually. Similarly, tender for the multi-level car parking facility on West Boulevard Road has not been issued for over a year,” he said.
Muthuselvam staged a sit-in protest and demanded the mayor and commissioner cancel the current tenders and issue fresh ones. He was supported by several councillors. In reply, Commissioner L Madhubalan said a study would be conducted to assess the market value, and if found undervalued, tender would be reissued.
Later, speaking to reporters, Anbalagan said, “It is sad that a councillor called me unfit to be Mayor. One can question policies and proposals in the council meeting, but some councillors are raising provocative questions due to personal animosity. The allegation of tender irregularity is false. Disciplinary action against council members is not something new. Even previous mayors have taken such action.”