The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Ambattur Councillors gherao Commissioner

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Dec 01, 2005

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Ambattur Councillors gherao Commissioner

Staff Reporter

Allege unfair flood relief distribution; municipality meeting adopts 52 resolutions

CHENNAI: The Ambattur Municipality passed 52 resolutions in just five minutes on Wednesday despite protest by councillors cutting across party lines about conducting council meeting without majority and unfair distribution of flood relief.

About 40 Councillors who had boycotted the meeting earlier charging that flood relief was not distributed to those in need, gheraoed Municipal Chairman K. Rukmangathan. Headed by Opposition party leader S.Andrews, councillors raised objections that only 13 of the 52 ward members were present. But the Municipal Chairman dismissed the protests pointing out that 17 councillors had signed the attendance for the meeting.

After a few minutes of heated arguments with the Councillors, the Chairman left the premises. The Councillors, who were annoyed with the response, gheraoed the municipal officials, including Commissioner K. Jayaraman.

The officials were besieged for over half an hours as Councillors squatted in front of the municipality building demanding an explanation for allowing the brief meeting without their consent.

However, the Commissioner said that such decisions would have to be taken by the Municipal Chairman. A DMK councillor, S.Balakumaran, complained that flood relief was not distributed to those in need and most inundated areas, including Padi, were yet to get flood relief.

Mr. Andrews said the resolutions were passed with the consent of AIADMK Councillors and two independent Councillors. He also alleged that the residents of unaffected areas were provided with flood relief materials.

"We have submitted a petition to the Commissioner about the Council meeting and unfair distribution of materials. The Commissioner has promised to take action regarding the petition," he said.

The Councillors have also decided to observe fast in front of the Ambattur Municipality within two days.

The municipal officials said that they had drawn out the list of residents of the affected area. Revenue Department officials have to take further action.

Earlier, about 100 residents of Kallikuppam also demonstrated in front of the municipal building demanding flood relief distribution.

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