Chennai councillors across parties unite to demand release of ward funds

In a rare display of cross-party unity, councillors from rival political groups came together at the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) Council meeting on Friday to criticise the State government for withholding ward development funds. The DMK's floor leader, N. Ramalingam, moved a resolution seeking a special allocation of ₹60 crore for each ward, a demand that found support from the Congress, AIADMK, BJP, and Left parties.

Ward 141 councillor A. Raja Anbazhagan went a step further, suggesting that councillors should consider resigning before the next Council meeting if the funds were not released. BJP councillor Uma Anandan, who wore black to the session in support of the resolution, noted that even capital funds had been stalled. "We are not asking for cars for ourselves, but for funds to implement projects," she said, pointing to pending flood mitigation work on Subba Reddy Street and a stalled stormwater drain link near Madley Road Subway.

AIADMK councillor T. Sathyanathan said funds had been disbursed uniformly over the past four years and the current delay was condemnable. CPI and CPI(M) councillors M. Renuka and R. Jayaraman also backed the demand, with Mr. Jayaraman accusing GCC Commissioner G.S. Sameeran of blocking the release of funds. Councillors from the MDMK, VCK, and Manithaneya Makkal Katchi also supported the resolution.

Standing Committee (Works) chairperson C. Velu alleged the State was withholding funds fearing a DMK win in the upcoming local body elections. Valasaravakkam ward committee chairperson V. Rajan questioned whether the current regime was democratic or bureaucratic, warning of a possible hunger strike. DMK councillor K. Karna said emergency works were stalled and held the TVK government responsible for potential stagnation during the monsoon.

Manali councillor A. Rajendran reported cancelled tenders for a flood management centre, unrelaid roads due to high bitumen prices, and a community hall in Sadayankuppam needing repairs. Deputy Mayor M. Magesh Kumaar suggested the Corporation consider maternity and menstrual leave for protesting NULM workers, noting the GCC had earlier allocated ₹100 crore to ensure the smooth running of Amma Unavagams.

Mayor R. Priya said the Council would formally register its dissatisfaction and pass a resolution urging the State to act. "Only if the funds are released now can the works be scheduled and completed within six to seven months," she said, adding that barely 30 resolutions had been passed compared to over 100 previously. She also asked the Commissioner to issue a circular directing zonal officials to coordinate with councillors on projects and inspections.

Congress councillor M. Samuel Diraviam said he would bring the issue to the notice of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. Meanwhile, Alwarthirunagar councillor V.V. Giridharan, who recently declared he had joined the TVK, said saved ward funds from last year could be used to complete a health and wellness centre if capital funds were not disbursed.