Film director Vignesh Shivan, husband of actress Nayanthara, has sparked widespread discussion after attempting to acquire the government-owned Seagulls Hotel on Puducherry’s scenic Beach Road. Shivan, known for his proximity to the ruling DMK party, reportedly approached Tourism Minister Lakshmi Narayanan during a courtesy visit to the Puducherry Legislative Assembly, requesting the hotel be sold or leased to him.
The Seagulls Hotel, operated by the state’s tourism department, is profitable with over 100 employees. Minister Narayanan categorically rejected the proposal, stating that government-owned properties, especially those generating revenue, cannot be sold or leased to private individuals. This denial has fueled a wave of online trolling and debate, with critics questioning whether Shivan attempted to leverage his political connections for personal gain.
After his proposal for the hotel was turned down, Shivan allegedly sought alternative opportunities, asking if any other coastal properties were available for lease. The minister clarified that such properties were auctioned in 2017 and are currently contracted to private parties. Shivan also inquired about venues for large-scale music concerts to attract tourists.
In response, Minister Narayanan directed him to the entertainment centre at the old port complex adjacent to the Seagulls Hotel. The facility, with a seating capacity of 4,000, is available for private events on a fee basis, including GST. Shivan later visited the venue to assess its potential for hosting concerts.
Tourism Minister Lakshmi Narayanan addressed the controversy, stating that Shivan’s approach was consistent with standard procedures for private companies seeking to host events in Puducherry. The government, he reiterated, does not sell or lease profit-generating assets.
Closeness With DMK
The incident has led to significant online backlash, with critics alleging that Shivan may be attempting to use his political connections to secure government-owned assets. His association with the DMK is under scrutiny, as he has previously helmed high-profile government projects, including directing the opening ceremony of the 44th Chess Olympiad in Chennai in 2022 and the “Road Raja” road safety campaign in collaboration with the Chennai Traffic Police.
The Chess Olympiad, held in Mahabalipuram from 28 July 2022 to 10 August 2022, featured a grand opening ceremony directed by Shivan. Similarly, the “Road Raja” campaign, conceptualized by Additional Commissioner of Police R. Sudhakar, utilized Shivan’s creative direction to deliver a road safety message through videos featuring popular celebrities like Yogi Babu and Shantanu Bhagyaraj.
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