DMK Councillors Condemn TVK Leader's Interference in Municipal Work
In a significant development at the Tiruchengode municipal council meeting on Thursday, DMK councillors strongly condemned Tamilaga Vettrik Kazhagam (TVK) propaganda general secretary K G Arunraj for allegedly threatening sanitation workers and civic body officials. The regular meeting, held in Namakkal district, witnessed heated discussions about unauthorized interference in municipal operations.
Allegations of Unauthorized Ward Entry
DMK councillors Thamaraichelvi Manikandan, representing ward six, and Annamalai from ward 27, brought forth serious allegations against Arunraj. They claimed that the TVK leader had entered their respective wards without proper authorization and interfered with the work of sanitation workers and municipal officials. This interference occurred despite the presence of elected council members who are responsible for overseeing ward activities.
The councillors emphasized that Arunraj's actions constituted a direct challenge to the established municipal governance structure. They argued that elected representatives hold the legitimate authority to supervise and coordinate municipal work within their wards. The unauthorized entry and questioning of officials created unnecessary disruption to essential sanitation services that are crucial for public health and hygiene in the municipality.
Demand for Legal Action
During the council meeting, both councillors formally urged municipal chairwoman Nalini Suresh Babu and the municipal commissioner to initiate legal proceedings against Arunraj. They stressed that such interference by political party representatives without proper authorization sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the authority of elected municipal representatives.
The councillors presented their case with specific details about how Arunraj's actions had affected the normal functioning of municipal services. They highlighted that sanitation workers, who perform essential public health duties, should be allowed to work without intimidation or unauthorized supervision from external political figures.
Municipal Chairwoman's Response
Municipal chairwoman Nalini Suresh Babu, who presided over the meeting, supported the councillors' concerns. She clearly stated that Arunraj had no legal authority to enter municipal wards and question officials or sanitation workers without obtaining permission from the elected councillors of those wards.
Nalini confirmed that appropriate legal action would be taken against such unauthorized interference. She revealed that Arunraj had previously contacted both her and the municipal commissioner by phone, asking numerous questions about municipal operations. "I told him to come to the municipal office and ask whatever he wanted through proper channels," she stated during the meeting.
The chairwoman emphasized that while transparency and public accountability are important, all inquiries must follow established protocols through elected representatives or official municipal channels. This approach ensures that municipal work proceeds smoothly without unnecessary disruptions while maintaining proper oversight mechanisms.
Broader Implications for Municipal Governance
This incident raises important questions about the boundaries between political party activities and municipal administration. The confrontation highlights the ongoing tensions that can emerge when party representatives attempt to directly intervene in local governance matters that fall under the jurisdiction of elected municipal officials.
The strong response from DMK councillors and the municipal chairwoman indicates a firm commitment to protecting the autonomy of local government institutions. By demanding legal action against unauthorized interference, they are asserting the principle that elected municipal representatives hold primary responsibility for overseeing ward-level administration and services.
This development in Tiruchengode municipality serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting institutional boundaries in local governance while ensuring that essential public services like sanitation continue uninterrupted for the benefit of all residents.
