CPI(M) councillor evicted from urgent meeting

June 01, 2010 02:44 pm | Updated 02:44 pm IST - TIRUCHI:

CPI (M) councillor T.Thangaraj attending the Corporation Council meeting bare-bodied and with a shawl wrapped over his head in Tiruchi on Monday. Photo: M. Moorthy

CPI (M) councillor T.Thangaraj attending the Corporation Council meeting bare-bodied and with a shawl wrapped over his head in Tiruchi on Monday. Photo: M. Moorthy

Communist Party of India (Marxist) councillor, K.Thangaraj representing ward 39 in the city, was evicted from an urgent meeting of the Corporation Council after he turned up for the meeting bare-chested in a symbolic protest against the “neglect of his ward” here on Monday.

The councillor caused a flutter as he walked in without a shirt and a red shawl draped around his head. His action drew vociferous protest from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam members who contended that the Mr.Thangaraj was violating convention and demanded action against him. Mayor S.Sujatha, in the chair, told Mr.Thangaraj that he would not be allowed to attend the meeting without wearing a shirt. She also disallowed him to speak until he turned up with a shirt.

Protesting her directive, Mr.Thangaraj squatted in the well of the house provoking the Mayor to order the watch and ward staff to evict him. He was physically lifted out of the council hall, where he resorted to a brief dharna.

Earlier, Mr.Thangaraj circulated photo copies carrying a list of his demands and a “speech” to be delivered at the council alleging that his ward, a reserved one for SC, was being neglected. This amounted to practising untouchability, he charged.

Pointing out that the entire sewage from the Corporation limits was being let out in the ward, he complained that his ward residents were not getting proper drinking water supply and basic health amenities. Repeated agitations have been of no avail, he said listing out as many as 22 demands including steps to build an overhead water tank at MGR Nagar and supply of Cauvery water to Panchapur.

Mr.Thangaraj was disallowed to attend the ordinary meeting that was held immediately after the urgent meeting.

AIADMK walkout

Members of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam staged a walk-out from the ordinary meeting after clashing with the DMK members.

DMK councillors were on their feet when AIADMK floor leader, J.Srinivasan referred to the recent clash between supporters of two contractors within the Corporation office.

The DMK members objected to the issue being raised in the council when the Commissioner has already referred the matter to the police.

Mr.Srinivasan also complained of drinking water shortage in extension areas and led his party councillors in the walk-out.

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