Demands for bus stands, memorial buildings raised in T.N. Assembly

Minister for Municipal Administration and Water Supply K.N. Nehru on Thursday (February 19, 2026) told the Tamil Nadu Assembly that the State government would take steps to construct bus stands at the temple town of Swamimalai and in Ayyampettai town panchayat in Thanjavur district.

The Minister was responding to a question raised by Manithaneya Makkal Katchi leader and Papanasam MLA M.H. Jawahirullah, who demanded the construction of a bus stand at Ayyampettai and also at Swamimalai, one of the six abodes of Lord Muruga. Citing the enormous footfall of devotees visiting Swamimalai from across Tamil Nadu to offer worship at the temple, he said decongestion was the need of the hour.

In his reply, Mr. Nehru said that of the 479 town panchayats in the State, bus stands were currently functioning in 198. Construction of bus stands was under way in 55 town panchayats. He also highlighted the challenges in the availability of suitable land in the vicinity for constructing bus stands. The Minister said the State government would explore the possibility of leasing a parcel of land belonging to the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department to construct a bus stand to facilitate devotees at Swamimalai.

Memorial buildings

Congress Legislature Party leader S. Rajesh Kumar demanded the construction of a memorial building for late Congress leader Kumari Ananthan in Kanniyakumari district. Members from both the ruling party and the Opposition echoed similar demands, seeking statues, memorials, and official celebration of the birth anniversaries of late leaders.

The demands included statues and memorial buildings for King Valvil Ori at the foothills of Kollimalai, Tamil musicologist Abraham Pandithar in Thanjavur along with a music university in his name, former Minister Lourdammal Simon in Kanniyakumari, Gunalan Nadar in Erode, freedom fighter Arthanareesa Varma in Salem, and the renovation of the house of Maraimalai Adigal in Pallavaram.

In his response, Minister for Information and Publicity M.P. Saminathan said the State government had honoured Kumari Ananthan by conferring the Thagaisal Thamizhar Award on him. A statue of Ponnappa Nadar was installed in Nagercoil. Since 2021, a total of 124 statues, memorial buildings and pillars have been installed across the State for various leaders and events. He said the department would consider the new demands in the future after due consultation with the Chief Minister.