AIADMK Councillor T. Sathyanathan (Ward 145) walked out of a Greater Chennai Corporation meeting protesting a resolution to revamp and reinstall an Ambedkar statue in Nerkundram’s Matha Kovil Street. The existing statue, installed by locals, is now at ground level due to road elevation, posing a damage risk. Maduravoyal MLA K. Ganapathy had earlier sought a full-sized bronze statue at a nearby intersection. The Valasaravakkam Zone Standing Committee’s resolution proposed a higher pedestal and reinstallation.
Mr.Sathyanathan claimed he and residents planned a larger bronze statue under the “Namakku Naame” scheme, alleging the resolution was passed without his knowledge. “As natives, we must be allowed to install the statue,” he insisted, facing opposition, including from Deputy Mayor M. Magesh Kumaar. Valasaravakkam Ward Committee Chairman V. Rajan noted the MLA’s elected representative status. Mayor R. Priya clarified, “The statutes erected by the government belong to the public and nobody can claim ownership of it.” Despite Sathyanathan’s protest, the resolution passed.
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Published – January 31, 2025 01:04 am IST