Demand to divide Chennai Corporation into three parts, statement of BJP leader

Tamil Nadu: BJP State Secretary ‘Karate’ R. Thiagarajan has stated that the Chennai Corporation should be divided into three parts to ensure the public receives the full benefit of welfare schemes and to improve the administrative system. He made this statement on Sunday.

According to Thiagarajan, the scope of the Chennai Corporation has expanded significantly, leading to various difficulties in the smooth conduct of administrative operations. He noted that when the jurisdiction of a local body becomes this vast, it causes delays in the implementation of schemes and hinders the delivery of services to the public.

He pointed out that there are currently 22 Assembly constituencies within the Chennai Corporation limits, placing an additional burden on the administration. He argues that restructuring is essential to make the administrative framework robust and effective.

In his statement, he also recalled the past, noting that when M.K. Stalin was the Mayor of Chennai Corporation, there were 16 Assembly constituencies and 115 wards. At that time, a plan was formulated to increase the number of wards to 200, a move that later became part of administrative changes.

Thiagarajan further mentioned that the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) came to power in 2011. At that time, the plan for 200 wards was submitted to the then Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa. He alleged that the DMK’s plan regarding the Corporation’s expansion was also discussed during that period.

He stated that he had urged Chief Minister Jayalalithaa not to accept the Corporation expansion plan at the time. However, according to him, the then Corporation Commissioner played a role in advancing the plan after consulting the Chief Minister, resulting in the current system of 200 wards within the Chennai Corporation.

Thiagarajan claimed that the current structure is no longer capable of functioning effectively. He asserted that, given the administrative pressure and the growing population, it has become necessary to divide it into three parts. They state that this will not only streamline administrative operations but also improve the quality of services delivered to the public.

They further added that bifurcating the corporation would strengthen local-level oversight and accelerate development activities. Additionally, it would enhance transparency and efficiency in the implementation of schemes, directly benefiting the citizens.