Conduct of area sabhas, ward fund allocation cause recurring friction between Chennai Corporation councillors and officials

Chennai Since the new TVK-led government in Tamil Nadu took over, councillors at the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) have found themselves fighting not just for civic works, but also for answers from officials. During the council meeting held recently on October 29, 2026 at the Ripon Buildings, the issues were flagged again, this time the flashpoint being who gets to preside area sabhas and how ward funds can be spent. The discussion on area sabhas followed concerns that meetings were being conducted under the leadership of Assistant Engineers (AEs) and Junior Engineers, rather than councillors. Valasaravakkam Ward Committee Chairperson V.

Rajan questioned the procedure, asking whether councillors must head the meetings or merely participate in them. Several councillors including Nethaji U. Ganesan of the DMK, Congress councillor M. Samuel Diraviam and DMK floor leader N.

Ramalingam seconded this. Mayor R. Priya said area sabha must be held in coordination with the officials, not headed by them.