A prize distribution function for students who won in Silambam was held in Virudhunagar on Thursday under the Social Welfare Department, chaired by department minister Jagatheeswari.
During the event, the official banner placed behind the stage reportedly carried Jagatheeswari’s name in the second position, while Industries Minister Keerthana’s name appeared first. Jagatheeswari questioned why the name of a minister who was not attending and was not connected to the department was placed ahead of hers.
Witnesses said the minister raised the issue on stage and got into an argument with Collector Sukabuthra. She also reprimanded officials, stating that she was the district in-charge minister and that such mistakes were being repeated.
The incident comes amid reports of internal differences between the two women ministers in the district in recent days. Party sources said they had held separate celebrations for Chief Minister Vijay’s birthday, and a banner of Industries Minister Keerthana was torn in Sivakasi.
Officials, however, maintained that the banner followed government protocol, under which Keerthana is placed higher in the cabinet order than Jagatheeswari.
