An MLA of the ruling AINRC in the Union Territory today caused a flutter when he held a novel protest against the Adi Dravidar Welfare Department's 'utter neglect' of his assembly constituency in implementing welfare measures for downtrodden people.
A first-time MLA representing Thattanchavady constituency, Ashok Anand, also Chairman of Puducherry Government-owned PASIC (Puducherry Agro Service and Industries Corporation Limited), sat in a dharna at the office complex of Director of the department, spreading a 'pyre' to symbolically lodge his protest.
Talking to reporters, he claimed the department officials had been showing 'a negative attitude' towards his constituency and his pleas to address his grievances had met with lack of response.
Only one out of 14 applicants for the housing subsidy was granted the amount by the department and that too the cheque was presented without his knowledge, he charged.
After an heated argument with the Director, the MLA sat in dharna placing the 'cheque on the pyre' to mark his protest against neglect of other applicants for housing scheme.
A section of his followers, who accompanied him, resorted to blowing conch which is another symbolic mark of a funeral.
