Video: TVK MLA walks out of Chennai function over protocol row with mayor
Responding to the criticism, Chennai Mayor R Priya denied any attempt to sideline the legislator and said she had merely followed established protocol. According to her, it is customary for IAS officers to light the ceremonial lamp after the Mayor.
A political controversy erupted in Tamil Nadu after a TVK MLA walked out of a civic event in Chennai, alleging that she was slighted by the city's Mayor during an inauguration event.
TVK MLA MR Pallavi, who represents Thiru Vi Ka Nagar Assembly constituency, left an event organised to inaugurate a Greater Chennai Corporation classroom building in Pulianthope after Chennai Mayor R Priya allegedly skipped handing her the candle used for the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony.
A video of the incident has since gone viral on social media, triggering sharp reactions and dividing public opinion.
Both the Mayor and the MLA were scheduled to jointly inaugurate the new classroom building. During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Pallavi initially stood behind Priya but later stepped forward and cut the ribbon herself.
The controversy unfolded during the subsequent lamp-lighting ceremony. In the viral video, Pallavi can be seen extending her hand to receive the candle. However, Priya proceeded without handing it over to the MLA, prompting Pallavi to walk out of the event.
Responding to the criticism, the Chennai Mayor denied any attempt to sideline the legislator and said she had merely followed established protocol. According to her, it is customary for IAS officers to light the ceremonial lamp after the Mayor.
Pallavi, however, described the Mayor's conduct as "arrogant" and said such behaviour "won't last long". "I have moved on with a forgiving nature, just like Chief Minister Joseph Vijay," she said.
The TVK legislator also clarified that she had no particular interest in participating in the lamp-lighting ceremony and attended the function only as a courtesy after being invited by officials.