A new controversy has erupted in Coimbatore after the city corporation named a public toilet after two highly respected political leaders—late former Home Minister Tyagi Kakkan and the late former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai. The decision has sparked outrage among political parties and the public, who see it as a sign of deep disrespect.
Tyagi Kakkan was one of Tamil Nadu’s most revered Dalit leaders, known for his honesty, simplicity, and integrity. He served the state in various roles including as an MLA, MP, and Minister. Likewise, Annadurai, the former Chief Minister, was a visionary who championed the values of duty, dignity, and discipline.
Despite their towering legacies, a public toilet located in Anna Nagar’s Silver Jubilee area, under Ward 95 of the Coimbatore South Zone, now bears their names. The inscription on the facility reads, “Coimbatore Corporation South Zone, Ward No. 95, Tyagi Kakkanji, Perarignar Anna Memorial Modern Male and Female Toilet.”
Local residents and leaders argue that the memory of such esteemed figures should be honored in more meaningful ways—by building libraries, community halls, or naming welfare schemes after them. Associating their names with a public restroom is seen as diminishing their stature and contributions.
Former AIADMK councillor Vijayan condemned the move, stating, “It is insulting to inscribe the names of Annadurai and Tyagi Kakkan on a toilet. It should be removed immediately.”
Echoing this sentiment, DMK Metropolitan District Secretary Karthik added, “These are leaders who dedicated their lives to public service. Using their names in this manner is inappropriate and offensive. The issue will be taken up with the corporation, and corrective action will be demanded.”
When approached for a statement, Corporation Commissioner Sivaguru Prabhakaran clarified, “The corporation has not officially named any toilet. No such resolution was passed. I will investigate how these names appeared there.”
BJP leader K. Annamalai strongly criticized the Coimbatore Corporation over the controversy, expressing his condemnation through a post on his official X account. He wrote, “The names of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Annadurai and the honest leader Kakkan, who served in Perunthalaivar Kamaraj’s cabinet, have been used for naming a public toilet by the Coimbatore Corporation. I strongly condemn this demeaning act of the Coimbatore Corporation that insults two humble leaders. Chief Minister @mkstalin, who adorns his father’s name on bus stands and government buildings with public taxpayers’ money, has allowed the names of leaders far greater than him to be placed on a toilet—with what other intention but to humiliate them? I urge Chief Minister @mkstalin to immediately remove their names of leaders from the toilet and take strict action against those responsible.”
கோவை மாநகராட்சியில், முன்னாள் தமிழக முதலமைச்சர் அண்ணாதுரை மற்றும், பெருந்தலைவர் காமராஜர் அமைச்சரவையில் பணியாற்றிய நேர்மையான தலைவர் கக்கன் ஆகியோர் பெயரை, கழிப்பறைக்கு வைத்திருக்கிறார்கள். எளிமையான இரண்டு தலைவர்களை அவமதிக்கும் கோவை மாநகராட்சியின் இந்த தரம்தாழ்ந்த செயலுக்கு வன்மையான… pic.twitter.com/A7zvMXmC8q
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) April 21, 2025
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