The 67th birthday celebration of former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa has landed a number of IAS officials in southern districts in a controversy and embarrassment as Opposition party functionaries have raised objection to the presence of Collectors and other heads of government departments.
When the special court in Bengaluru had convicted the AIADMK general secretary and imposed a fine of Rs. 100 crore in the disproportionate assets case, how could IAS officers posted as Collectors and Corporation Commissioners participate in her celebrations.
“The matter is in appeal in a higher court and the verdict is expected any time. Hence, it is not appropriate for government officials to participate in the celebrations,” said DMK’s Madurai urban district secretary V. Velusamy.
Echoing his views, CPI (M)’s urban district secretary R. Vijayarajan said Collectors and Commissioners of local bodies should act neutrally. “They are the eyes and ears of the government. They should take up people’s issues with the government and get them resolved. When this is the role and responsibility of IAS officers, the act of participating in the birthday celebration of the AIADMK general secretary is unwarranted. The officers, by their presence, had set a bad precedent. This is highly condemnable,” he said.
Justifying the presence, a senior IAS officer in a southern district, requesting anonymity, said the elected representatives from the ruling party had arranged a number of functions marking the birthday of their leader.
“On behalf of the government, the Department of Forests had arranged planting of ‘Vilvam’ saplings in Siva temples, job mela were organised at taluk offices, photo expos of achievements of the government were conducted by the Department of Information and Public Relations. The events were not confined to one district, but the entire State,” he clarified.
Press releases issued by the PROs, however, were guarded as there was no mention of the former Chief Minister’s birthday.
However, AIADMK MLAs and a few MPs, who spoke to The Hindu , said the Opposition parties were unable to stomach the popularity of their leader. “We did nothing wrong or violated any norm” was their response.
However, citizens suffered during the day as “paal kudam” processions in the temple city led to a chaotic traffic for over two hours, all under the watchful eyes of police.
