AIADMK general secretary Jayalalithaa removed the Chennai Corporation taxation and finance committee chairman, S. Santhanam, from primary membership of the party on Wednesday.
This has led to uncertainty over presentation of the Chennai Corporation budget this year.
According to a press release from AIADMK, Mr. Santhanam violated the regulations of the party.
As members of AIADMK have been advised to sever relationships with Mr. Santhanam, AIADMK councillors are likely to prevent him from presenting the Corporation budget this month.
The taxation and finance committee plays a key role in finalising the budget. Officials of the Corporation and councillors are keeping their fingers crossed for now.
The standing committee on taxation and finance, in consultation with other standing committees, is yet to finalise the budget estimate and submit its recommendations to the Corporation Council.
On Wednesday evening, Corporation officials said they had not received any instructions on changes to the post of taxation and finance committee chairman.
If Mr. Santhanam’s removal from the party prompts his resignation from the Corporation, the civic body may conduct indirect elections to select a new chairman. The Mayor too could present the budget. He will make a decision on this shortly.
“The Mayor is the supreme power in the Corporation Council. Mr. Santhanam’s removal will not pose a challenge during the budget presentation,” an official said.
When asked for his response, Mr. Santhanam said, “I have worked for the party since 1978. I will continue to abide by all of Amma’s decisions.”
