Mon Jun 30 14:22:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Tirunelveli Corporation Council Meeting Erupts in Chaos Over Drainage Delays and Corruption Allegations**
**TIRUNELVELI, June 30, 2025** – A Corporation Council meeting in Tirunelveli descended into pandemonium on Monday as DMK councillors voiced their frustration over the slow progress of underground drainage (UGD) works and the resulting inconvenience to residents. The situation escalated when AIADMK councillors defended the legacy of late Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, leading to heated exchanges and a walkout.
DMK councillors like D. Sahaya Juliet Mary (Ward 51) criticized the sluggish pace of the UGD project, which has left roads damaged and residents suffering. Superintending Engineer Kannan explained that the extensive 84 km phase of the project was time-consuming. However, councillors argued that the Corporation and the contracted firms needed to expedite the work to alleviate the problems faced by the public.
Discussions on water supply also took place, with Councillors urging the local government to extend supply to new residents.
The meeting took a turn when AIADMK councillor S. Amutha (Ward 31) called for the immediate relaying of damaged roads, Mayor G. Ramakrishnan’s defense of the Corporation’s financial integrity sparked a fierce reaction. When the Mayor brought up the conviction of the late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa in a corruption case, Ms. Amutha and fellow AIADMK councillor M. Chandrasekar (Ward 28) protested vehemently, resulting in a shouting match with DMK councillors and their eventual walkout.
Commissioner Monika Rana, attending her first council meeting since assuming office on June 25th, pledged to address the concerns regarding the contractors’ performance. She promised to convene a meeting with them to review project timelines and progress, vowing to take necessary action to accelerate completion.
The council also discussed the Murappanadu Drinking Water Project, with officials expecting administrative sanction within 10 days. Additionally, a CPI (M) councillor raised concerns about erratic water supply due to a broken motor, which the Mayor agreed to address by providing a spare.
The meeting highlighted the challenges faced by the Tirunelveli Corporation in balancing infrastructure development with the needs and concerns of its residents, while also showcasing the continued political divisions within the council.
**Summary:**
A Tirunelveli Corporation Council meeting devolved into chaos due to disputes over slow UGD work, water supply issues, and allegations of corruption. DMK councillors criticized the delays and their impact on residents, while AIADMK councillors defended their late leader, sparking a shouting match and walkout. The newly appointed Commissioner promised to address the contractors’ performance, and discussions also took place on improving water supply.
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