The DMK captured 19 of the 33 wards in Theni-Allinagaram municipality. DMK mayor Balamurugan, who has been in the running for the post of chairman since the beginning, has fielded his wife Renupriya, who was the chairperson of the Vadapudupatti panchayat, to contest in the 10th ward of Theni-Allinagaram municipality. He also competed in the 20th Ward and won.
Renupriya Balamurugan, who contested in the 10th Ward, took over the post of Allinagaram Mayor, leaving the post of Allinagaram Mayor to the party leadership Congress. Because of this Renupriya’s husband also contested and won in the 20th Ward. Subsequently, Theni city manager Balamurugan was removed from the party by the leadership.
The audio of the speech by city councilor Renupriya and 29th ward councilor Chandrakala Eswari was released two days ago. The audio caused a great deal of controversy as it talked about bargaining for money. In particular, it was said that the non-payment for the election was conducted by the District Officer, Thanga Tamilselvan.
In this context, a meeting of DMK councilors was held at a private wedding hall under the chairmanship of Theni DMK North District Officer Thanga Tamilselvan. The meeting was not only attended by members of the 21st and 23rd wards. Similarly, Balamurugan, who was expelled from the party, attended the meeting. The meeting lasted more than an hour.
Speaking to reporters, Thanga Tamilselvan said, “In the case of the audio of mayor Renupriya and DMK councilor Chandrakala Eswari, as they spoke, no money was given to me as the district secretary. This has been confirmed by Theni Allinagaram Municipal Chairman Renu Priya. The party councilor and the mayor concerned who spoke on audio will be subjected to party disciplinary action if they make a mistake.
Theni Allinagaram mayoral post was allotted to the Congress on behalf of the DMK. The DMK councilor is in charge of the mayor. Negotiations with the leadership are still ongoing. Change is also likely to be after the end of leadership. Until the end of the talks, the currently elected DMK member Renu Priyave will continue as the mayor … The next city council meeting will be chaired by him. All DMK councilors have assured that they will abide by the decision of the party leadership on the audio issue and the post of Theni Allinagaram mayor. ”