TN to scrap direct election of mayor

Ironically, the DMK, which had in 2006 scrapped direct elections to the post of mayor, vehemently opposed the new Bill.

Barely five years after amending the law to reintroduce direct elections for the post of Mayor of municipal corporations, the AIADMK government on Wednesday introduced a Bill in the Assembly to empower councillors to elect the Mayor.

Ironically, members of the DMK which had, in 2006, scrapped direct elections to the post of Mayor and had objected to the AIADMK’s bid to restore popular election in 2011, vehemently opposed the new Bill.

Councillors’ support

Tabling the Bill, Municipal Administration Minister S.P. Velumani said, “It has been brought to the notice of the Government that the councils of certain municipal corporations are not functioning properly since the Mayor does not enjoy the support of the councillors. It is considered that if the Mayor of a Corporation enjoys the support of majority of the councillors, the council can function in a better manner.” Hence, the Government felt the need for indirect mayoral elections.