DMK councillors join AIADMK, BJP in walkout at Ramanathapuram Municipal Council meeting

Councillors from the DMK, AIADMK, and BJP on Thursday staged a walkout during the Municipal Council meeting here.

The meeting was chaired Municipal Chairman Karmegam, with Vice-Chairman Praveen Thangam and Municipal Commissioner Ajitha Parveen in attendance.

A total of 73 resolutions were presented including renovation of Alli Kanmai gas crematorium at a cost of ₹49 lakh, auctioning of two-wheeler parking at the newly opened bus stand, and collection of entry fee for buses entering the station.

From the beginning of the session, Councillors including Kamalakannan, Kathar Pitchai, and Selvarani from DMK, Indira Mary and Muneeswari from AIADMK, and Dhanabhakiyam from AMMK began to voice their protest.

They alleged that over the past four-and-a-half years, municipal projects across all 33 wards had not been fully completed. Their grievances included improper implementation of the underground drainage scheme, irregular supply of Cauvery integrated drinking water, and dilapidated state of most roads.

Members said that despite raising the issues in previous meetings, no action had been taken .Furthermore, the members complained that the Municipal Revenue Officer was demanding bribes for assessment of new property and commercial taxes.

Condemning the municipal administration and alleging that officials did not give proper respect to elected members, 12 Councillors, including those from the DMK, staged a walkout.

Before leaving, they demanded that appropriate action be taken against municipal officials who spoke disrespectfully to members. Despite the walkout, all resolutions were passed as 19 members had already signed their approval.