Throwback to 2006-2007. TR Baalu, the present DMK MP from Sriperumbudur, who served as the Minister for Road Transport, Highways, and Shipping in the Congress-led UPA government, faced criticism for the controversial demolition of Andal Azhagar Kalyana Mandapam. This wedding hall, owned by actor turned politician Vijayakanth’s wife, Premalatha, which also served as his party office, was razed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) which came under Baalu’s jurisdiction back then.
Situated on Jawaharlal Nehru Road in Chennai, the auditorium became a casualty of a flyover construction project aimed at alleviating congestion at the Jawaharlal Nehru Road-Bangalore Highway junction.
Vijayakanth accused the DMK government of orchestrating the swift demolition due to their inability to tolerate his party’s growth. While acknowledging the necessity for the structure’s removal for road expansion, he claimed the move was politically motivated.
Vijayakanth had in fact expressed his willingness to surrender the building for road expansion, requesting only an extension until 31 August that year to honour existing marriage bookings.
Despite proposing alternative plans and engaging with DMK president M Karunanidhi, the state government, proceeded with the demolition after months of delay in responding to Vijayakanth’s alternatives. The incident underscored the political ruthlessness of the DMK government under Karunanidhi.
The wedding hall, spanning 1 acre and 56 cents, was torn down by the then DMK government led by Karunanidhi, reducing it to approximately 3 grounds.
விஜயகாந்த் கல்யாண மண்டபத்தை இடித்த போது அவர் கூறிய வார்த்தைகள்:
"நேத்து மண்டபத்தைப் போய்ப் பார்த்தேன் சார். இடிஞ்சுகிடக்கிற மண்டபத்தைப் பார்த்தா, குடல் அறுந்து தொங்குற மாதிரி இருக்கு. வேர்வை சிந்திச் சேர்த்த காசு. சில பேரு மாதிரி ஊரை அடிச்சு, உலையில் போட்டுச் சம்பாதிச்சதில்லை;… pic.twitter.com/2mjJYps1E9
— Maridhas (@MaridhasAnswers) December 28, 2023
Vijayakanth, reflecting on the demolition, expressed deep emotional distress, stating, “When I saw that, it felt as if my intestines were hanging out. I was so upset. I saved each penny and worked hard to earn each penny to build that wedding hall. It came solely from my hard work; I did not indulge in corrupt practices to acquire it.”
Vijayakanth had questioned “What is the urgency to demolish the marriage hall. What happened to 233 other structures for which notice were given for demolition”
Notably, Vijayakanth, who left an indelible mark on Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, will be buried at the very location that once housed his cherished wedding hall. The controversial demolition incident has resurfaced as the state mourns the passing of the enigmatic leader that was Vijayakanth.
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