Eye on civic poll, Corporation set to go top gear

Following a number of representations from the councillors during the council meeting on non-completion of works in their wards, Corporation Mayor Saidai S Duraisamy on Monday assured them that steps will be taken to complete the works on a war footing. 

It may be noted that due to model code of conduct for Assembly election, the works undertaken by the Corporation in the city like road works, storm water drain and setting up of LED lights came to a grinding halt. 

“A number of councillors have expressed their concern during the meeting and so this will be considered a common issue,” the Mayor said during the meeting, which was convened after a gap of three months. 

He also asked the councillors to submit a status report on the details of the pending works within two days. When some AIADMK councillors alleged ‘improper’ deletion of names from the voters’ list before the Assembly election, Duraisamy asked them to do a field level study and submit a report. 

Earlier, the councillors gave a standing ovation for a resolution moved by the Mayor appreciating the thumping victory of J Jayalalithaa at the May 16 Assembly election. While Benjamin was elected AIADMK MLA from Maduravoyal and is now the School Education Minister, other council members who made it to the State Assembly are AIADMK MLAs B Sathyanarayan (T. Nagar), V Alexander (Ambattur) and DMK MLA S Aravind Ramesh (Shozhinganallur). 

The council also gave its approval for abiding by the rules and regulations of Tamil Nadu  Urban Development Fund (TNUDF), which has consented to provide Rs.145.64 crore as subsidy factored loan to provide LED lights in extended areas. 

The council also witnessed some lighter moments when DMK councillor K Neelakandan requested the Mayor to pass a resolution to appreciate Leader of Opposition-designate MK Stalin, to which the Mayor replied, “If you (DMK councillors) appreciate Amma for her feat, I will pass a resolution suggested by you,” amid burst of laughter.