CHENNAI: Chennai’s civic and political landscape is dominated today by the Greater Chennai Corporation’s decision to suspend a property tax hike after facing public backlash. The move is likely to provide temporary relief to residents and property owners while the civic body considers its next steps.Politics is another major talking point. Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam leader and chief minister C Joseph Vijay has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking a permanent freeze on the Lok Sabha’s strength at 543 and asking that the existing level of parliamentary representation of states be protected.Property tax hike suspendedThe GCC has suspended the proposed property tax increase following criticism from residents. The decision puts the corporation’s revenue requirements against public affordability concerns at the centre of today’s civic debate.Vijay seeks freeze on Lok Sabha strengthChief minister C Joseph Vijay’s letter to Modi has brought the question of parliamentary representation into the political spotlight. He has urged the Centre to retain the Lok Sabha’s strength at 543 and protect the current representation of states.Four arrested with bombs and narcoticsChennai police have arrested four men allegedly plotting to kill members of a rival gang. Country-made bombs and narcotics, including ganja, were seized near Sriperumbudur during the investigation. The case has renewed attention on gang violence and the circulation of illegal weapons and drugs in the outskirts of the city.
