AIADMK Councillors Stage Protests in Salem and Erode Municipal Meetings Over Civic Irregularities
Opposition AIADMK councillors held significant protests during the regular council meetings of the Salem and Erode municipal corporations on Thursday, highlighting alleged irregularities in civic administration. The demonstrations led to heated exchanges and disruptions in both meetings, underscoring ongoing political tensions in these Tamil Nadu districts.
Salem Corporation Meeting Erupts in Chaos Over Water Supply Issues
The Salem corporation’s council meeting, chaired by Mayor A Ramachandran, witnessed a dramatic confrontation. Leader of the opposition N Yadavamurthy raised serious allegations regarding the corporation's functioning, particularly focusing on drinking water management. Yadavamurthy claimed that the corporation allocates approximately Rs 1.5 crore annually for drinking water, with Rs 15 lakh spent monthly on motor pump maintenance. However, he asserted that despite this expenditure, many residents face prolonged water shortages, complaining of not receiving drinking water for several days at a time.
During his speech, DMK councillors surrounded Yadavamurthy, engaged in arguments, and reportedly snatched and tore a book he was holding. In response, AIADMK councillors staged a sit-in protest in front of the mayor’s chair, demanding attention to their grievances. The situation escalated to the point where Mayor Ramachandran, with police support, had the opposition councillors removed from the meeting to restore order.
Erode Corporation Faces Walkout Over Garbage Collection Neglect
Simultaneously, in the Erode corporation council meeting, AIADMK councillors voiced strong concerns about irregular garbage collection across various parts of the municipality. They protested, alleging that the corporation was neglecting wards represented by opposition councillors, leading to unsanitary conditions and public inconvenience.
Led by opposition leader S D Thangamuthu, the councillors expressed frustration over the perceived bias in civic services. Following their protests, they staged a walkout from the council meeting, symbolizing their dissent and calling for immediate corrective measures to address the garbage management issues.
Broader Implications for Local Governance
These incidents highlight the challenges in municipal governance in Tamil Nadu, where opposition parties frequently raise issues of transparency and equitable service delivery. The protests in Salem and Erode reflect broader concerns about resource allocation and administrative efficiency in urban local bodies.
Key points from the events include:
- AIADMK councillors in Salem alleged financial mismanagement in water supply, citing high maintenance costs without corresponding service improvements.
- In Erode, the focus was on operational failures in garbage collection, with claims of discrimination against opposition-held wards.
- Both meetings saw significant disruptions, with police intervention in Salem and a walkout in Erode, indicating heightened political friction.
Such protests underscore the need for robust dialogue and accountability mechanisms in municipal corporations to ensure that civic issues are addressed promptly and fairly, benefiting all residents regardless of political affiliations.
