In a video that is going viral on social media, DMK MLA Ponmudi can be seen lashing out at officers on duty for refusing to give e-Pass to a person from his constituency.
The Tamil Nadu government has come up with the e-Pass system to allow movement of people for the following cases – marriages, death of a close relative and medical emergency.
The DMK legislator had gone to the Vizhupuram District Collector’s office to get e-Pass for one Mr. Arun whose father-in-law had expired in Bengaluru. Mr. Arun had applied for the pass through online but was not given one following which he reached out to Mr. Ponmudi through a DMK office bearer.
Mr. Ponmudi then reached out to Vizhupuram Collector Mr. Annadurai and asked him to grant the e-Pass. However, the collector refused.
Following this, Mr. Ponmudi went to Collector’s Office along with Arun where he seems to have behaved with the officials rudely.
In the video, Mr. Ponmudi can be heard asking an officer “Nee than phone la pesniya? Enna pesna avan kitta? Avana edhuku vara sonna? Enna maridhaye illama pochu? Mudiyadhu nu en kittaye pesra? (It was you who spoke on the phone is it? What did you say to him? Why did you ask him to come? What.. you have no respect huh? You telling ‘me’ it is not possible?)
In another clipping he can be seen lashing out at a female officer who was trying to explain to the MLA that she was just following the protocols and the latest instructions of the Tamil Nadu government. The MLA in a condescending tone and pointing hands at the female officer can be heard saying “System a pathi pesadha en kitta, naanun MLA va irukken, enakun theriyun.. (unclear).. Karnataka liye allow pantanga, theryuma unuku? Karnataka liye allow pantanga, polan-ntanga, Tamil Nadu instruction enna iruku? (unclear)… Even with the CM I am ready to speak” (Don’t talk to me about system.. I am also an MLA.. I also know.. (unclear).. Karnataka itself has allowed.. They themselves have allowed.. What is the Tamil Nadu instruction? (unclear).. Even with the CM I am ready to speak)
Those present in the vicinity were shocked at the MLA’s behaviour with the female officer who can be seen holding her composure.
Mr. Arun was later issued the e-Pass.