Political Storm Brews Over Erode Bus Shelter's Design and Inscriptions
A recently constructed bus shelter in the Kosanam panchayat, located within the Gobichettipalayam assembly constituency of Erode district, has become the epicenter of a significant political controversy. The dispute centers on the prominent display of former legislator K A Sengottaiyan's name, which is prefixed with 'MLA' and painted using the distinctive flag colors of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party.
Details of the Construction and the Controversial Inscription
The bus shelter was built at an estimated cost of 8.5 lakh rupees, utilizing funds from the assembly constituency development allocation. This allocation was sanctioned by Sengottaiyan during his tenure as the sitting Member of the Legislative Assembly. While the structural work was completed approximately four months prior, the painting and finishing touches were executed only recently, following directives issued by officials from the Nambiyur block administration.
A source familiar with the matter confirmed, "The sunshade of the shelter bears Sengottaiyan's name with the 'MLA' prefix, and the lettering is deliberately rendered in the official flag colors of the TVK party, to which he is currently affiliated." This specific design choice has triggered vehement objections from two major political rivals in the state.
DMK and AIADMK Voice Strong Objections and Threaten Action
Both the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) have raised formal protests against the bus shelter's design. Their primary grievances are twofold:
- The use of TVK's party colors on public infrastructure, which they argue amounts to inappropriate political promotion.
- The continued use of the 'MLA' title before Sengottaiyan's name, despite him no longer holding that legislative position.
Yoga Palanisamy, the Secretary of the AIADMK Nambiyur North union, issued a stern warning: "This display is completely unacceptable on public property. If the name and prefix are not removed immediately, we will be forced to organize a protest and will whitewash the sunshade ourselves." Functionaries from the DMK have echoed this sentiment, issuing similar warnings of protest if the contentious inscriptions are not erased.
Public Demonstration and Official Response
The tension escalated into direct action on Friday when a group of more than 50 individuals, led by Yoga Palaniswami, staged a siege at the Nambiyur block development office. The protesters raised slogans condemning the block officials for permitting the controversial design.
The demonstration concluded after the block officials present at the scene assured the crowd that appropriate and timely action would be taken to address their concerns regarding the bus shelter issue. The crowd subsequently dispersed, awaiting the promised administrative intervention.
This incident highlights the ongoing sensitivities surrounding the use of public funds, political symbolism on civic structures, and the protocols for acknowledging former representatives. The resolution of this dispute now rests with the local administration's next steps.
