Panchayat residents, MLA protest annexation into Salem Corporation

Residents protest against annexation of Chettichavadi and Kondappanaickenpatti panchayats into Salem Corporation, citing increased taxes and livelihood concerns.

Residents of Chettichavadi and Kondappanaickenpatti panchayats, led by Salem West MLA R. Arul (PMK), staged a dharna outside the Salem Collectorate against the annexation of their panchayats into Salem Corporation on Monday.

More than 500 people from the two panchayats gathered outside the Salem Collectorate, and the police were deployed to stop them. After the MLA said he and the villagers had come to submit a petition to the District Collector regarding their demand, the police let a few people and the MLA inside the Collectorate.

At the Collectorate portico, the MLA and the villagers staged a dharna and raised slogans against the annexation of the two panchayats into the Corporation. The police then rushed towards them and, after a brief conversation, sent them in.

Speaking to the reporters, MLA Arul said the issue was raised in the Assembly and Municipal Administration Minister K.N. Nehru assured that he would look into the issue. “But now, steps are being taken to annex the two panchayats into the Corporation. If these panchayats are annexed into the Corporation, residents will have to pay high taxes, and people getting work under the MGNREGA will be affected,” the MLA said.

Mr. Arul also demanded the removal of the dump yard at Chettichavadi. “The District Administration and the Tamil Nadu government must act without delay or be prepared for a big protest,” Mr. Arul added.