Chennai, June 4: Chennai Mayor Priya Rajan has dismissed allegations of ignoring RK Nagar MLA Pallavi during the inauguration of a new school building in Puliyanthope. She stated that the entire event was conducted according to government protocol, ensuring that no public representative was overlooked.
The controversy erupted after a video of the ceremony went viral on social media. In the footage, the Mayor is seen handing a candle to a senior IAS officer instead of MLA Pallavi during the lighting ceremony.
Following this, many social media users claimed that Pallavi, despite being the local MLA, was not given the recognition she deserved.
This incident occurred on the day schools reopened in Tamil Nadu after the summer holidays. The inauguration event was held at an Urdu school in Puliyanthope to mark the occasion.
Attendees included Mayor Priya Rajan, MLA Pallavi, senior officials from the Greater Chennai Corporation, and representatives from the education department.
According to reports, the ceremony began with a ribbon-cutting event, where MLA Pallavi participated. However, attention shifted during the lighting ceremony when the Greater Chennai Corporation’s Joint Commissioner and IAS officer stood in front with the Mayor, while MLA Pallavi appeared to be positioned behind them.
When it was time to light the lamp, Pallavi reached out for the candle, but it was handed to the IAS officer instead. This sparked discussions on social media about the perceived disrespect towards the MLA.
Shortly after, MLA Pallavi left the event, intensifying the controversy.
In response to the criticisms, Mayor Priya Rajan clarified that the event followed established government protocols and that there was no intention to diminish the MLA’s role.
She stated, “We did not overlook anyone. The MLA was invited to the event and actively participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony. According to protocol, the IAS officer was to light the lamp first, followed by the MLA.”
The Mayor emphasized that the misunderstanding arose from the adherence to government procedures. She reiterated that all arrangements and ceremonial processes were conducted according to the rules, ensuring that all guests were treated with full respect.
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