Tamil Nadu: Lone BJP Councillor denounces Justice Chandru’s report at Chennai Corporation meeting

In a dramatic display of dissent, Uma Anandan, the lone BJP councillor in the Greater Chennai Corporation, tore up the recommendations of Justice Chandru’s committee during a council meeting, triggering a heated controversy over caste-related recommendations and religious freedoms.

The incident unfolded during the council’s reconvening after a three-month election break on June 24th, where Uma Anandan vehemently opposed the recommendations put forth by Justice Chandru’s committee. This committee was formed in response to the Nanguneri incident in Tirunelveli district, where two Scheduled Caste students were attacked by students from an intermediate caste.

Justice Chandru’s committee, tasked with addressing caste conflicts in schools and colleges, submitted its report to Chief Minister MK Stalin last week. Among its contentious recommendations were bans on colored wristbands, rings, and forehead marks (tilak) that signify caste, as well as removing caste-related names from educational institutions.

During the council session, Uma Anandan demanded Mayor R Priya to pass a resolution denouncing the panel’s report, alleging it targeted Hindu practices disproportionately. However, her demand was rejected by the Mayor, prompting DMK councillors to urge Uma Anandan to cease her protest.

Undeterred, Uma Anandan approached the council chair, tore up the report, and subsequently walked out of the hall. Her actions sparked immediate condemnation and calls for her suspension from the council by VCK and other opposition members.

Speaking to the media outside the corporation building after the incident, Uma Anandan defended her actions, stating, “The issue of caste and oppression in other religions is being overlooked. I suspect the intentions of Justice Chandru and I request that the Supreme Court review his judgments. The report is biased, and the Chennai City Council should have condemned it. As they did not, I tore up the report.”

https:/twitter.com/omjasvinMD/status/1805110266541334855

She further expressed her disbelief at the recommendations, questioning, “What next? Will they ask students to stop eating curd rice in schools? If this is not something to be discussed in the council, how can singing praises for Udhayanidhi Stalin by other councillors be accepted? Why do we need to talk about this at this time? At this time, why are you singing praises to Udhayanidhi Stalin? Chief Minister is ok, but why should you sing praises to Udhayanidhi? Justice Chandru should have spoken about this. A biased statement, a biased judge has issued a statement. The Chennai City Council should condemn Justice Chandru’s statement. They did not condemn. Thus I tore up the judge’s report.”

The tearing of the report by Uma Anandan has sparked widespread debate over the boundaries of religious freedoms and the handling of caste-related issues in educational settings. The incident has also highlighted the deep-seated divisions within the Chennai Corporation council, particularly between the BJP and DMK members, on sensitive social issues.

As the controversy continues to unfold, stakeholders await further developments regarding Uma Anandan’s status within the council and potential reactions from political leaders and civic organisations across Tamil Nadu.