Councillors of DMK and TVK engaged in a heated argument during the Corporation Council meeting in Thoothukudi on Monday.

| Photo Credit: N. RAJESH

Thoothukudi Mayor Jegan Periyasamy on Monday released a vision document outlining the future development of the city at the Corporation Council meeting held here.The Mayor said that several development projects had been implemented over the past four-and-a-half years and the vision document had been prepared as a roadmap for the city’s future growth. The Corporation aimed to transform Thoothukudi on par with developed international cities.Mr. Jegan said that 4,000 new roads had been laid across the city and 63 parks had been upgraded for public use. Further, a 24x7 drinking water supply scheme had been launched in around 10 wards and it would be extended to all wards in phases. Residents must use water judiciously and avoid wastage.However, when the meeting proceeded with agenda, a brief commotion occurred after two Councillors who recently joined TVK staged a protest demanding that they be allowed to occupy theor earlier seats.Following Ward 51 Councillor Mathiramoorthy’s switch to TVK, the AIADMK district secretary had removed him from the party whip’s post and appointed Ward 57 councillor S. Jeyalakshmi as the new whip. Accordingly, Ms. Jeyalakshmi was seated in the designated seat of AIADMK whip.Mr. Manthiramoorthy insisted that he be allowed to occupy his former seat, and Ward 17 Councillor T. Ramar, who too joined TVK recetly, supported him.Mr. Manthiramoorthy questioned why the Congress whip, who later joined DMK, had been allowed to retain hjis seat.In response, Mr. Jegan said no communication had been received from the Congress regarding the change in status.Despite the explanation, the two councillors sat on the floor in protest instead of taking their allotted seats. DMK Councillors countered them, resulting in heated arguments and confusion in the hall. The commotion continued for more than 30 minutes before Mr. Manthiramoorthy and Mr. Ramar staged a walkout.Corporation commissioner S. Priyanka, Deputy Mayor S. Jenitta and other officials were present. Published - June 29, 2026 07:59 pm IST