G. Ramakrishnan, the 58-year-old DMK councillor of ward 25, known for his daily rounds on a bicycle, was elected as the Mayor of Tirunelveli Corporation on August 5, 2024. He succeeded outgoing Mayor P.M. Saravanan, who resigned citing ‘family issues,’ though internal party conflicts were the actual cause.
In the election, Ramakrishnan secured 30 out of the 54 votes cast, defeating Pavulraj, a suspended DMK councillor from ward 6, who surprisingly garnered 23 votes. One vote was invalid, and AIADMK member Ganesan alias P. Jeganathan abstained from voting. Corporation Commissioner N.O. Sukhaputra presented the winner’s certificate to Ramakrishnan at the corporation office, where he arrived on his bicycle.
Saravanan’s resignation followed intense protests from councillors demanding a share of unspecified ‘benefits.’ Efforts by Local Administration Minister K.N. Nehru and Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu to mediate were unsuccessful.
Despite the truce following Saravanan’s resignation, Ramakrishnan’s narrow victory signals potential instability ahead. The significant support for dissident Pavulraj raises concerns for DMK leadership, especially as 23 votes for a suspended member indicate strong internal discontent. The party high command’s decision to field Ramakrishnan without consulting local councillors exacerbated this unrest.
With DMK holding 44 seats in the 55-member council (plus support from 7 allies and 4 AIADMK members), internal rifts continue to challenge unity. The narrow margin of Ramakrishnan’s victory underscores ongoing factionalism within the party, suggesting his tenure as mayor will likely face significant turbulence.
Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/g-ramakrishnan-elected-the-new-mayor-of-tirunelveli-corporation/article68487851.ece
Category : Tamil Nadu
Tags:
