Corpn. budget tabled amidst high drama

By Our Staff Reporter

CHENNAI, MARCH 5. The Chennai Corporation Budget for the year 2001-2002 was tabled in the Council today amidst high drama with the opposition councillors pressing for an explanation from the Mayor, Mr. M. K. Stalin, on the alleged encroachment on Corporation land in Shenoy Nagar by Health Minister Mr. N. Veerasamy's brother, and alleged misappropriation of funds in the construction of flyovers.

The opposition members took off from where they had left in the last council, reiterating their demand for a CBI enquiry into the two issues. As soon as the Mayor began his Budget speech, the opposition led by Mr. P. Vetrivel, TMC leader in the Council, and Mr. Karate R. Thyagarajan, who joined the AIADMK recently, raised their voice demanding a reply from the Mayor. When turned down, they covered their faces with black cloth in protest. The Mayor then summoned the marshalls to evict the opposition members from the house. The members raised slogans demanding resignation of the Mayor while being led out.

Later, talking to mediapersons, Mr. Vetrivel alleged that funds to the tune of Rs. 19 crores was misappropriated in the two cases. He also charged that in the construction of Saidapet vehicular subway, low quality TMT steel girders were used though tenders were called for CRS Tiscon steel which had less carbon content in them.

``We are only asking for a debate on the two issues. When they are not allowing this, where is the question of democratic procedures being maintained,'' he asked. The black-cloth demonstration was a protest against the ``anti-democratic stand.''

After presenting the budget, Mr. Stalin told reporters that an enquiry into the land encroachment issue was on and by no chance could one allege irregularities unless the procedure was completed. Besides, there was no question of an explanation to be given by him as the Minister himself had given his reply which appeared in sections of the media.

On the flyover issue, he said the civic body was ready to face any legal proceedings if the opposition went to court.

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