VCK councillors G. Gopinath (Ward 45) and Shanthi (alias Yazhini) protested against the shifting of B.R. Ambedkar’s portrait in the council hall and walked out during the Greater Chennai Corporation council meeting on Friday. The councillors had raised these concerns in the meeting held during August as well.

Councillor V. Rajan (Ward 143) said that the Ambedkar’s portrait has now been placed in the appropriate place in the council hall, alongside portraits of other leaders.

While VCK councillor Gopinath questioned the Mayor as to who authorised the removal of the portrait, the DMK councillors asked him to maintain order and take his seat.

Mayor R. Priya said the photograph of the leader was put up in the council hall only after the DMK came to power. She also said the first photograph seen by anyone entering the Ripon Buildings was that of Ambedkar.

The Mayor said Ambedkar’s ideals, laws and schemes were respected across the country and that nobody denied him due respect. She urged the councillors to follow council procedures and not turn the issue into a political debate.

Mr. Gopinath and Ms. Shanthi continued to protest and raised slogans before walking out.

Later, MDMK councillor P. Subramani (Ward 139) demanded that a photograph of Dravidar Kazhagam founder Periyar E. V. Ramasamy be placed in the council hall.