Chennai Mayor claims lack of notice for CM's monsoon inspection visit

Deputy Mayor M. Magesh Kumaar on Tuesday sought to counter social media accusations that Chennai's Mayor had intentionally absented herself from Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's inspection of monsoon readiness measures at the corporation headquarters on Ripon Buildings. According to the Deputy Mayor, the timing of the Chief Minister's visit had not been communicated to the Mayor in advance.

Kumaar referenced established protocols governing visits by senior government dignitaries to support his position. He pointed to procedures followed during Prime Minister's visits, when the State government conventionally provides advance notification to relevant authorities, allowing them to make necessary arrangements and be present for the occasion.

The clarification comes as the Mayor faced online criticism following her apparent absence during Stalin's inspection tour. The Deputy Mayor's statement suggests that the lack of prior intimation about the visit's timing prevented the Mayor from being present, rather than any deliberate decision to avoid the Chief Minister's engagement.

The incident underscores ongoing questions about coordination between the Chennai Corporation and State government on ceremonial and inspection visits by high-ranking officials. The corporation, which oversees the city's civic infrastructure and services, typically hosts such inspections at its administrative centers.