In a stark revelation of caste-based discrimination within the Tamil Nadu administration, Dalit DMK councillor K Chinnathai from Tirunelveli Corporation tendered her resignation, citing systemic bias in the distribution of drinking water in her ward. Representing ward 32 in the corporation, Chinnathai, belonging to the Arunthathiyar community, highlighted the prevalent caste-based discrimination in the management of drinking water distribution.
In her resignation letter addressed to Mayor PM Saravanan dated April 23, 2024, Chinnathai attributed the discrimination to the privatisation of the public water supply contract six months ago. She emphasised the collusion between officials and councillors from upper castes, resulting in irregular water supply and shortages in areas such as Koripallam and Periyar Nagar in ward 36, which she also represents.
Expressing her disillusionment, Chinnathai lamented the lack of corrective measures despite reporting the issue to higher authorities, including a DMK MLA, the mayor, and the deputy mayor. She highlighted the disparity in drinking water provision, with areas under her jurisdiction receiving water on alternate days while alleging preferential treatment to areas represented by upper-caste councillors.
“I am the only councillor from the Arunthathiyar community in Tirunelveli corporation. The corporation was supplying drinking water to Koripallam and Periyar Nagar areas in ward 36, which comes under my jurisdiction, on alternate days. The officials have connived with upper-caste councillors,” Chinnathai stated, underscoring the systemic discrimination faced by marginalised communities.
Alleging caste-based discrimination in the supply of drinking water to her ward, Tirunelveli corporation DMK councillor K Chinnathai who belongs to Arunthathiyar community wrote a resignation letter to the mayor P M Saravanan. However, she later withdrew her decision to resign. pic.twitter.com/CCLIHwHpc1
— Thinakaran Rajamani (@thinak_) April 23, 2024
Despite repeatedly bringing the matter to the attention of higher officials, including a DMK MLA, the mayor, and the deputy mayor, Chinnathai stated that no action was taken to address the concerns. She expressed frustration over the apathy of corporation officials towards essential services such as cleanliness, street light maintenance, and construction activities in her ward.
Chinnathai also cited instances of humiliation during the election campaign and expressed regret to the people who elected her. Feeling unable to effectively represent her constituents and address their needs, she made the difficult decision to resign from her post.
Despite efforts to address developmental issues and complaints raised by councillors, including Indra and her husband, progress remains stagnant in Ward 7.
Moreover, internal rivalries within the corporation have further complicated matters, with councillors expressing dissatisfaction with Mayor P M Saravanan. In December 2023, thirty-eight DMK councillors formally requested Commissioner Shubham Dnyandeorao Thakare to present a no-confidence motion against Mayor Saravanan, citing grievances and corruption allegations.
The failed attempt to bring a no-confidence motion against Mayor Saravanan underscores the deep-seated dissatisfaction among DMK councillors and the challenges facing the administration.
In Cuddalore district, ten DMK councillors staged a hunger strike on January 31, 2024, decrying Mayor Sundari Rajan’s failure to address essential ward development facilities. Similarly, in Tindivanam Municipality, thirteen DMK councillors walked out of a municipal meeting in September 2023, citing their inability to tackle issues such as garbage collection and water-related problems due to external pressures hindering their effectiveness.
In Ooty, a contentious project to replace century-old municipal shops with modern establishments has sparked heated debate among councillors. While Vice Chairman J. Ravikumar supports the development, Mustafa, a DMK councillor, vehemently opposes it.
Meanwhile, in Tirunelveli Corporation, women councillors from the DMK staged a protest during a council meeting on 27 July 2023, accusing former Minister TPM Mohideen Khan of threatening their lives during the selection of candidates for the taxation appellate committee election.
The challenges faced by DMK councillors extend beyond municipal meetings. Instances of denial of flag hoisting rights and discrimination in Tirunelveli district reflect systemic issues such as the dual tumbler system and caste discrimination prevalent in the region. A survey conducted by the Tamil Nadu Untouchability Eradication Front revealed shocking findings, indicating that many Dalit Panchayat presidents were not even provided chairs in their offices.
The situation has caught the attention of Governor R.N. Ravi, who expressed concern over the rise in caste atrocities in the state. Incidents like the mixing of human feces in a water tank in a Dalit hamlet and denial of entry into temples highlight the pervasive discrimination faced by marginalized communities. Governor Ravi emphasized the urgent need to address these issues, condemning those who perpetuate caste-based discrimination and urging for unity and social justice.
As discontent grows among DMK councillors and marginalized communities continue to face discrimination, the spotlight is on municipal authorities and the state government to take concrete steps towards ensuring inclusive governance and upholding the principles of social justice.
