In Valparai, Coimbatore district, the Municipal Council Deputy Chairman T.M. Senthilkumar staged a sit-in protest in pouring rain outside the municipal office, opposing interference in development works. The protest occurred before the regular council meeting.
Coimbatore: The Municipal Council Deputy Chairman of Valparai, T.M. Senthilkumar, staged a dramatic sit-in protest in pouring rain outside the municipal office on Thursday, just before the regular council meeting was scheduled to begin. The protest was against alleged interference by government officials and politicians in the implementation of development works in the town.
Senthilkumar was soon joined by 15 other council members in solidarity, intensifying the demonstration. The protesters claim that development works in all 21 wards of Valparai are being obstructed by certain government officials and political interventions.
According to the protesting council members, the monthly municipal council meetings, where all works are decided and tenders are to be floated, have been disrupted five times. They allege that government officials and politicians have interfered with the tendering process, effectively halting progress on various public welfare projects.
"The public is questioning the ward members about the lack of progress," said one of the protesting councilors. "Our party leader and Chief Minister has instructed us to work independently for the people's welfare. However, these obstructions are preventing us from carrying out development works."
The Valparai Municipal Council consists of 21 wards, with 19 members from the DMK party, one from AIADMK, and one from Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK). The protest has caused tension in the area, prompting the deployment of police personnel at the municipal office to maintain order.
As the standoff continues, the residents of Valparai are caught in the middle, waiting for resolution and the commencement of the much-needed development works in their town.