Coimbatore: Revenue and disaster management minister K A Sengottaiyan on Friday urged Chennai Mayor R Priya to cooperate with ongoing govt relief and civic work rather than create hurdles.He told reporters at Coimbatore International Airport on Friday night that chief minister C Joseph Vijay has been continuously reviewing flood mitigation and rain-related preparedness across the state to ensure maximum safety for the public during the ongoing monsoon. “Public service is open to all and can be carried out by anyone from any movement. Chennai Mayor should assist the govt’s initiatives rather than disrupt them,” Sengottaiyan said.Referring to weather forecasts, the minister said heavy rainfall is expected in Kanyakumari, Tuticorin, the Nilgiris and Ramanathapuram districts for two days. He added that the administration is actively monitoring daily weather updates to roll out precautions and relief measures.When asked about the recent arrest of NTK functionary Karthika, the minister defended the police action. “Is it appropriate to force entry without permission when the CM is on a road show? They must answer that. In a democracy, everyone has space in the electoral arena, but disrupting events where lakhs of people have gathered cannot be justified,” he said.Responding to allegations that she was arrested in nightwear, Sengottaiyan declined to comment, saying, “I am unaware of what she was wearing at the time. I cannot speak on operational police matters—such questions do not fall under my portfolio.”
