CHENNAI: Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam MLA M R Pallavi on Thursday walked out of a Greater Chennai Corporation inauguration event midway after Mayor R Priya skipped giving the MLA the candle to light the lamp. The MLA and Mayor were to inaugurate school classroom buildings in the Perambur and Pulianthope areas.
First Event Incident
In the first event at an Urdu school in Perambur, the mayor first lit the lamp. The MLA, who was standing next to her, tried to get the candle to light it up next, but the mayor refused to give it to her and instead handed it to the official standing beside her. Visibly humiliated, the MLA walked out of the lamp-lighting event.
Second Event and Aftermath
While officials convinced the MLA to return for the next event, at the second school classroom inauguration ceremony, the MLA refused to accept the candle from the mayor. Speaking to TOI, Mayor Priya said she had followed protocol and had no intention of sidelining the MLA. “It was customary for IAS officers to light the lamp after the Mayor. I’ve been practicing that for all the events. The MLA must have had patience,” she said.
Speaking to reporters, MLA Pallavi described the Mayor's act as “arrogant” and remarked that “it won’t last long.” She added, “I have moved on with a forgiving nature, just like Chief Minister Joseph Vijay.” Pallavi also said she was not interested in lighting the lamp at the second event and attended it only as a courtesy after being invited by officials.
Reactions and Context
The incident has sparked political debate in Chennai, with many questioning the protocol followed during civic events. The mayor’s explanation that IAS officers traditionally light the lamp after her has been met with skepticism, as the MLA is an elected representative. Pallavi’s reference to Chief Minister Joseph Vijay indicates the political undertones of the dispute.
This event highlights ongoing tensions between elected representatives and municipal officials in Tamil Nadu. The MLA’s walkout underscores the sensitivity around protocol and recognition in public functions. Both leaders have expressed their versions, but the issue remains unresolved.
