In Valparai, 13 out of 21 ward councillors boycotted the municipal council meeting, protesting against the lack of development works due to financial constraints imposed by the state government. The meeting concluded within five minutes.
Coimbatore: The Valparai Municipal Council's ordinary meeting was held today, but was marred by the absence of 13 councillors who chose to boycott the proceedings. The meeting was chaired by Municipal Chairperson Alagu Sundaravalli, Vice Chairperson Thama Senthilkumar, and Municipal Commissioner Vinayagar.
Valparai has a total of 21 wards, with 21 ward councillors, including the chairperson and vice-chairperson. The meeting, which began around noon, saw the participation of only eight members, including the chairperson and vice-chairperson. The remaining 13 councillors abstained from the meeting in protest.
The boycott stems from the Tamil Nadu government's financial constraints, which have led to a directive requiring municipalities to obtain approval from the Chennai Zonal Director for development works. As a result, Valparai has reportedly seen minimal development activities over the past year. Last month, councillors had staged a demonstration over this issue.
Today's meeting concluded within five minutes of its commencement. A resolution was passed stating that emergency works during the monsoon season would be carried out after obtaining approval from the Tiruppur Zonal Director.
When questioned about their absence, the boycotting councillors expressed frustration over the bureaucratic process. They stated that all municipal works in Valparai must be reported to the Tiruppur Zonal Director, who then needs to obtain approval from the Chennai Municipal Zonal Director before any work can commence.
One of the absent councillors remarked, "The people of Valparai have elected us as councillors, trusting us with their votes. While we are ready to serve them, government officials are hindering our ability to carry out works. We boycotted today's municipal council meeting to emphasize this point."
The boycott highlights the growing tension between local elected representatives and the state government's financial management policies, potentially impacting the development of Valparai.