Spirits on the move
A Tasmac outlet near the Tirunelveli Junction bus stand seems to have simply moved upstairs, without moving away from controversy. Long accused of serving customers at all hours, the shop recently shifted from the ground floor to the first floor of the same building. Now, as if to keep spirits high, a bar has sprung up alongside it. Commuters complain of drunken nuisance spilling into the bus stand area, while eyebrows are being raised over how such an establishment was permitted so close to a busy transit point and a government-aided school.
-Thinakaran Rajamani
Grievance in abeyance
As in January, Tirupattur Collector Sivasoundaravalli gave the monthly farmers’ grievance meeting a miss this time too. In neighbouring Ranipet, Collector JU Chandrakala was also absent. There is, by now, a familiar rhythm to such days especially in north TN. Without the collector, proceedings wrap up briskly as petitions are received, polite nods exchanged, and the dependable assurance that “the issue will be looked into” makes its cameo. When the collector does attend, however, the tone shifts. Officials field pointed questions on delays, pending petitions are scrutinised, timelines fixed, and follow-ups demanded. Suddenly, files rediscover their sense of purpose.
-Nimisha S Pradeep
A political makeover
Former AIADMK MLA Omsakthi Sekar has demonstrated that in politics, timing is everything. Days after organising celebrations for late AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa’s birth anniversary, he crossed over to the DMK on Friday alongside O Panneerselvam. AIADMK cadre appeared relaxed about his exit, while sections of DMK workers were less thrilled, recalling heated electoral contests and wondering how smoothly old rivals would now share campaign platforms. On Sunday, as Chief Minister MK Stalin’s birthday was celebrated a few metres away, Sekar’s office looked like a haunted spot, as the AIADMK portraits were gone and no DMK flag was to be seen. Even the newest entrant was also nowhere to be seen.
-Bagalavan Perier B