DMK and Congress councillors engaged in a heated argument at the corporation council meeting at the Ripon Building on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit: SRINATH M
A Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) council meeting, held after a three-month break due to the Tamil Nadu Assembly election 2026, saw councillors trade barbs over political developments.
During the ‘Zero Hour’, AIADMK councillor K.P.K. Sathish Kumar listed the issues in his ward, including the lack of basic amenities in Thiruvalluvar Nagar, sewage stagnation, and lack of piped drinking water in a few areas. “There are many complaints in my ward,” he said, triggering an uproar from DMK councillors. One of the DMK councillors hurled papers at Mr. Kumar, and some left their seats to confront him. The situation settled after Mayor Priya ordered silence on the floor and addressed his concerns.
Later, another war of words erupted between the DMK and its former ally, the Congress, now aligned with the ruling TVK.
Congress councillor M. Samuel Diraviam of Tiruvottiyur, the final speaker scheduled in ‘Zero Hour’, said: “In the history of Tamil Nadu politics, a new change — share in governance, share in power — was introduced by Chief Minister, ‘Jananayagan’, ‘Thalapathy’ C. Joseph Vijay. For this, the Indian National Congress extends its appreciation…” before being interrupted by a few DMK councillors.
The Congress councillors rose to defend their party, while DMK members, including Tiruvottiyur Ward Committee Chairman T.M. Thaniarasu, Standing Committee (Education) Chairperson D. Viswanathan, and DMK floor leader N. Ramalingam, asked them to sit down. Some DMK councillors termed Congress a “betrayer”, and many cheered as the INC members staged a walkout.
Ms. Priya and Deputy Mayor M. Magesh Kumaar attempted to restore order, but the Mayor concluded the session as councillors continued to agitate. Later, Congress councillors told reporters that they have demanded separate seating arrangements.
CM’s speech
Earlier in the meeting, Adyar Zone Ward Committee Chairperson R. Durai Raj condemned CM Vijay’s gesture during his speech at the Assembly session on Tuesday (June 23, 2026). DMK councillor Parithielamsurithi of Egmore also criticised the CM’s “short story” remarks.
Published – June 25, 2026 12:38 am IST
