That a DMK Trichy corporation councillor attempted to self-immolate owing to alleged neglect of his ward’s development made the news on 13 March 2024. The councillor put forth his resignation stating he was unable to continue his role because he felt his constituents were being overlooked.
The monthly corporation council meeting, held on 13 March 2024, saw the adoption of 145 resolutions, yet tensions arose towards the end when a DMK councillor resigned, citing neglect of his ward. Kajamalai Vijay, expressing frustration over unmet demands for Ward 60, submitted his resignation to Mayor M Anbalagan and Corporation Commissioner V Saravanan. He later attempted self-immolation, which was prevented by police and fellow councillors.
In a tearful statement during the incident, Vijay highlighted issues such as inadequate cleaning of an overhead tank, unaddressed requests for a library, and insufficient sanitation workers in his ward. Mayor Anbalagan, upon reviewing Vijay’s resignation letter, instructed immediate action on the raised concerns, leading to the rejection of Vijay’s resignation.
A senior DMK official, observing the event, characterized Vijay’s actions as emotional, affirming that efforts were underway to resolve his grievances. Another councillor, Ambikapathi KK of AIADMK from Ward 65, also left the session, citing dissatisfaction over the sale of pan masala in the city.
Despite the presentation of 145 resolutions during the session, most pertained to minor civic projects and measures against delinquent corporation bill payers. Councillor L Rex raised concerns about UGD contractors charging residents for connecting pipelines without proper authorization. Mayor Anbalagan denounced such actions and directed officials to rectify the situation, ensuring affected residents are refunded.
Furthermore, councillors highlighted issues with water supply in certain areas, attributed to problems at the Kollidam collector well. The mayor assured affected wards of tanker water supply to mitigate the inconvenience.
In this context, SG Suryah, the State Secretary of the BJP, voiced criticism towards MK Stalin, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, questioning his leadership. Suryah highlighted an incident where a DMK councilor in Trichy resorted to self-immolation in protest against the DMK Mayor’s refusal to implement developmental schemes in his ward. Suryah’s query to Stalin “Are you administrating #PuppetChiefMinister @mkstalin?”
DMK Councillor in Trichy immolates against DMK Mayor in Trichy for refusing developmental schemes in his ward.
ஆட்சியா நடத்தறீங்க #பொம்மைமுதல்வர் திரு.@mkstalin அவர்களே?? pic.twitter.com/g2UEjFlc9a
— Dr.SG Suryah (மோடியின் குடும்பம்) (@SuryahSG) March 13, 2024
(with inputs from TNIE)
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