A function to inaugurate new buildings of a Chennai Corporation primary school in Thiru.Vi.Ka Nagar turned tense after a public disagreement between Mayor R. Priya and the constituency’s TVK MLA, Pallavi.
The new school buildings, built at a cost of Rs 2.20 crore in Nammalvar Pettai, were inaugurated on Wednesday. As the Mayor moved to cut the ribbon, the MLA—standing behind—reportedly cut it first, drawing attention at the venue.
Soon after, the Mayor lit the ceremonial lamp. When the MLA reached out for the candle to light the lamp next, the Mayor instead handed it to the Corporation’s Joint Commissioner, Karpagam, and invited her to proceed. Upset by this, the MLA left the venue with her supporters.
At a subsequent event at another school, the Mayor offered the candle to the MLA to light the lamp, but the MLA declined and, when urged again, folded her hands in refusal.
Later, the Mayor said there was no intention to sideline the MLA and that, as per protocol, an IAS officer lights the lamp after the Mayor, followed by the MLA. The MLA, however, alleged she was ignored from the start and said she was dissatisfied with the works being carried out in the constituency.
