Councillors cutting across party lines strongly criticised Salem Corporation officials during a council meeting on Tuesday for allegedly misrepresenting incomplete works as completed in the official records.
Mayor A. Ramachandran presided over the meeting held at the Corporation Office. Councillors, including those from the DMK, AIADMK and VCK, warned the officials over their conduct. A DMK councillor walked out of the council meeting and the zonal chairman claimed he was willing to resign during the heated session.
Ward 9 councillor V. Deivalingam (DMK) stated that a government order (G.O.) dated February 5 instructed that deposits for Underground Drainage (UGD) connections in all urban local bodies should be collected. However, it also specified the G.O. should be presented before the council for approval before implementation. Despite this, officials in the Ammapet zone, without submitting the G.O., sent away residents who came to pay the UGD deposit. Mr. Deivalingam noted that internal conflicts between officials have led to contractors being unwilling to undertake work and a lack of progress in the Corporation’s general fund in the Ammapet zone.
Ward 44 councillor (VCK) J.M. Imayavarman alleged that funds allocated for UGD works were being misappropriated and accused Corporation officials of tarnishing the reputation of the ruling government, while Ward 34 councillor (DMK) Esan D. Elango demanded a white paper report detailing works completed and works ongoing in each ward.
Ward 28 councillor Jayakumar also warned officials and said that their actions would have consequences.
Ward 25 councillor (DMK) and Suramangalam zonal chairman S.D. Kalaiyamudhan said that officials claimed to have completed development works in the Saminathapuram stream at ₹11 crore and sought an additional ₹35.21 lakh for additional expenses. “However, only 55% of the work is complete. Officials are falsifying records and tarnishing the reputation of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and the DMK Government, and stern action should be taken against them. We can’t tolerate this way of the corporation officials, and I am ready to resign”, Mr. Kalaiyamudhan added.
Ward 43 councillor (DMK) M. Gunasekaran claimed that councillors were unaware of the contractors who execute projects in their wards. “Buildings that have been completed have not been opened for public use. We campaigned door-to-door to get votes and now we are unable to face the public’s questions , creating a bad name for the government,” Mr. Gunasekaran added. After these comments, Mr. Gunasekaran threw the microphone, went near the mayor, thanked him with a Vanakkam gestureand walked out.
Mayor A. Ramachandran assured that the allegations raised by the councillors would be inquired and action taken.
Published - February 25, 2025 07:08 pm IST
