News Tamil Nadu

DMK Members Publicly Harass Chennai Corporation Commissioner At Anna Nagar Tower Park Event

August 28, 2023
The Commune

A recent art and painting exhibition held at Anna Nagar Tower Park took an unpleasant turn as Dr. J Radhakrishnan, the Commissioner of Greater Chennai Corporation and Additional Chief Secretary, found himself dealing with the menace of a few DMK men demanding money. The incident, involving members of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam allegedly seeking bribes from event stalls, has raised eyebrows and sparked controversy.

The event, organised as part of the Madras Day celebrations, turned chaotic when a video of Dr. Radhakrishnan being heckled by a DMK party member went viral on social media. The party member claimed that the local MLA had not received an invitation to the event. 

The DMK party member whose name is said to be Jayashankar, also asserted that event stalls had paid sums ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹3,000 to the event organisers. He argued that the frequent hosting of private events at the park inconvenienced regular visitors. In response, Commissioner Radhakrishnan, visibly angered, stated that he would reimburse the money paid by the stalls. He further directed authorities not to permit any more private events at Anna Nagar Tower Park and instead arrange them elsewhere in the city. 

Amidst continuous heckling, Chennai Corporation Commissioner Dr. J Radhakrishnan firmly stated that such events must be allowed and emphasised that the park was meant for the public at large. He acknowledged that they were not the only ones using the space and, in response to repeated complaints, assured that the issues would be resolved. He even offered to cover the expenses incurred, declaring that there would be no further events held at this location. He pointed out that there were numerous other suitable venues for hosting events. 

Faced with relentless interruptions, Radhakrishnan decided to leave the event prematurely due to the heckling by DMK party members. In a retort, Radhakrishnan addressed the party member, Jayashankar, stating, “I am aware of how much you collect and from where. I will not hesitate to reveal these details on live television.” With these words, Radhakrishnan exited the premises, effectively silencing the DMK party member.

It’s worth noting that it is common practice for the Chennai Corporation to provide its parks for social gatherings, family outings, resident welfare association activities, and private exhibitions.

In an attempt to clarify the situation, Thapasiya International Art Foundation, the event organiser, stated that they had obtained proper permission from the civic body for the event and had paid the necessary fees for stall equipment to private organisers. They emphasised that the absence of the MLA was not due to any oversight but rather a scheduling conflict. 

The event itself was organised with a noble cause in mind, as it provided a platform for individuals with impairments to showcase their talents in a photo exhibition. 

Several netizens questioned the way in which the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam operated where even a Corporation Commissioner is hounded for bribe in broad daylight.

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