Pudukkotai Collector Mercy Ramya has once again found herself embroiled in a controversy, this time for failing to attend and allegedly ignoring the function of a Union Minister in her district. Just a few days ago, Ramya faced backlash for reportedly moving a Ganesha idol from the government collector’s bungalow, as she is a Christian. These incidents have sparked outrage and raised concerns about religious insensitivity.
The recent incident unfolded when Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, VK Singh, visited Pudukottai district for a three-day tour. During his visit, Singh participated in the foundation stone laying ceremony for new houses under the Prime Minister Awas Yojana scheme in Ochampatti near Tirumayam. He also inspected the excavation work at Porpanaikottai. However, to the surprise of many, District Collector Mercy Ramya and other officials were notably absent from these events.
This absence did not go unnoticed, and social media quickly became abuzz with criticism directed at the Pudukkotai Collector. People questioned her disregard for the Union Minister’s visit and inauguration of an event within her district. The incident mirrors a similar controversy that unfolded a few months ago when the then Collector of Pudukottai, Kavitha Ramu, attended an event of Union Minister Kapil Moreshwar Patel in the Aranthangi constituency, drawing widespread attention.
Selvam Alagappan, the President of the Pudukottai East District BJP, expressed his disappointment, stating, “The collector or her representative should have attended the program in which Minister of State VK Singh participated in Pudukottai district. But, no one attended the program and ignored it. The reason for their neglect is not known.”
Earlier, on June 3rd, in a development that sparked outrage among the local community and Hindu organizations, an idol of Lord Vinayaka was reportedly removed from the residence of the Pudukottai District Collector after the newly appointed IAS officer Mercy Ramya took charge. The decision to remove the idol was allegedly made by the District Collector, who follows the Christian faith, leading to accusations of religious insensitivity. Hindu organizations have criticized the removal of the Lord Ganesha statue, viewing it as a manifestation of deep-rooted animosity towards the Hindu religion. They argue that this incident highlights a lack of understanding and respect for religious sentiments.
(with inputs from Mediyaan)
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