A heated exchange erupted during a Chennai Corporation council meeting at Ripon Buildings as councillors from the DMK and AIADMK clashed over who deserves credit for the Nemmeli desalination plant. The debate was sparked by Ward 182 councillor KPK Sateesh Kumar, who asserted that the AIADMK, under former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, inaugurated the plant in 2013. He contrasted this with the foundation stone being laid in 2010 by DMK leader M Karunanidhi.
Tensions escalated when Sateesh Kumar alleged that his microphone was switched off before he could complete his remarks, prompting AIADMK councillors to walk out in protest. Mayor R Priya responded by stating that all councillors were given equal time to speak, noting that Sateesh Kumar had been allotted 22 minutes.
In a separate issue raised during the meeting, Sateesh Kumar called for designated smoking zones to address public health concerns. Mayor Priya acknowledged the issue and said the corporation would explore the feasibility of creating such zones, though enforcement would require broader cooperation.
(Source: New Indian Express)