Puducherry CM’s birthday banners spark clashes and police cases

Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy’s birthday celebrations led to widespread flex banner installations across the Union Territory, escalating into arguments and clashes as government officials attempted their removal. New Indian Express reports that police complaints were filed, with cases mostly registered against unidentified persons, even though banners displayed names and photographs.

Adding further controversy, some birthday greetings featured former convicts released for good conduct, whose identities were known to police. The report notes some banners remained days later. Separate incidents covered by the same outlet include a police vehicle carrying two accused to a Chennai hospital breaking down midway, leaving officers stranded without wheels, and former AIADMK minister C Vijayabaskar telling a TVK meeting in Pudukkottai that newborns learn to say “Vijay Mama” after “Amma” and “Appa.”