Portrait row dominates Chennai council meet as major civic decisions are stalled

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) council meeting on Wednesday failed to pass any major civic or infrastructure decisions, with the session instead dominated by a heated debate over the placement of former Chief Minister MK Stalin's portrait. While critical monsoon-preparedness works remained unaddressed, the council approved only minor resolutions worth Rs 30 crore, including an indoor stadium in Sholinganallur.

The meeting, held after a gap of three months, raised concerns as no resolutions were passed regarding new storm water drains, missing drainage network links, or the procurement of desilting equipment like suction-cum-jetting machines. In contrast, in June 2025, the council had approved 110 resolutions in a single month, many of which focused on monsoon preparedness.

Instead of civic infrastructure, a large part of the meeting was spent debating the display of MK Stalin's photographs. Standing Committee chairman N Chitrarasu argued that Stalin's portraits should be allowed in government offices under an earlier Government Order. Deputy Mayor M Magesh Kumaar requested a circular to permit their display in zonal offices where ward committee meetings are held.

DMK councillor V Rajan alleged that Stalin's photographs at water ATMs installed during the previous DMK regime were being covered up. Meanwhile, ward committee chairman R Saritha from Kolathur broke down during the session, alleging that authorities were selectively removing DMK materials.

Mayor R Priya clarified that photographs of former Chief Ministers should not be removed from completed projects, while those of the incumbent Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay could be displayed in new projects. Addressing concerns about individuals entering GCC schools to install portraits of Chief Minister Vijay, Priya warned of strict action against headmasters who permit unauthorized entry.

The row also extended to the physical layout of the council hall, where a portrait of Dr B R Ambedkar was shifted from next to the mayor's seat to the opposite side of the hall to make way for Stalin's portrait. VCK councillor C Ambethvalavan expressed concern over the shift, questioning why portraits of other former Chief Ministers like Edappadi K Palaniswami, J Jayalalithaa, or M Karunanidhi were not displayed if a government order existed.

Mayor Priya explained the lack of new major projects by stating that the corporation's budget had been exhausted by February. She added that the new government is currently reviewing ongoing projects and will take up more works during the monsoon.