Non-removal of photographs of former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa at Amma canteen (Amma Unavagam) near K. Abishekapuram zonal office of Tiruchi Corporation has elicited sharp reaction from Opposition parties.

As per the model code of conduct of the Election Commission, portraits of political leaders should either be covered or removed from government buildings.

There are seven Amma canteens in Tiruchi including on Rockins Road, Srirangam, Anna Nagar. They are being run by Tiruchi Corporation. Soon after the model code of conduct came into force 10 days ago, Corporation officials removed portraits of political leaders in its buildings. They also covered the name of ‘Amma’ on name boards of some of the canteens.

But the officials have allegedly failed to remove or cover the photographs of Jayalalithaa in some the canteens.

Pointing to a canteen adjacent to K.Abishekapuram zonal office in the city, Opposition parties said big size photographs of Jayalalithaa serving food to customers still adorned the walls. It was a clear case of violation of model code of conduct, they contended.

“We strongly oppose the non-removal of Jayalalithaa photographs in the canteen. They can not be kept at the time of elections,” said C. Thirunavukarasu of the DMK.