AMMK general secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran on 18 October 2026 launched a sharp attack on the Tamil Nadu government led by Chief Minister Vijay, arguing that widespread waterlogging across Chennai and its suburbs had exposed critical gaps in the administration's monsoon preparedness. Dhinakaran said a single overnight downpour had inundated residential neighbourhoods and arterial roads, causing considerable hardship to residents and motorists — and raising uncomfortable questions about the state's readiness for the heavy showers forecast in the days ahead.

What Dhinakaran Said

In a social media post, Dhinakaran directly challenged CM Vijay, stating that appointing ministers and IAS officers to monitor the Greater Chennai Corporation's various zones was not, by itself, sufficient to protect citizens from flood damage. He argued that such administrative arrangements must be matched with effective fieldwork and on-the-ground precautionary measures that deliver 'tangible relief' to the public.

He also criticised what he described as an excessive emphasis on publicity — specifically calling out inspections of stormwater drainage infrastructure that, he alleged, were more focused on camera appearances and social media reels than on actual remediation work.

The Drainage Failure Allegation

Dhinakaran alleged that despite advance warnings from the weather department, the authorities failed to take adequate steps to prevent water stagnation or ensure the unobstructed flow of rainwater through drainage channels. He called for vulnerable waterlogging spots to be identified proactively and for remedial measures to be completed before the next spell of heavy rain arrives.

This comes amid the annual monsoon season, which has historically strained Chennai's drainage infrastructure. The city has faced recurring flooding in its low-lying neighbourhoods during intense rainfall, and civic preparedness has been a perennial point of political contention.

Call for War-Footing Preparations

Calling for preparations on a 'war footing', Dhinakaran urged the Greater Chennai Corporation and the state government to ensure drainage channels function effectively and that preventive work receives immediate attention. He specifically highlighted neighbourhoods and roads where water had already accumulated during the latest overnight spell as priority zones.

Notably, Dhinakaran's criticism centres on the alleged gap between official monitoring optics and the lived conditions of residents — a distinction he said the government must urgently address.

Political Context

The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK), led by Dhinakaran, has been a vocal critic of the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government. The waterlogging episode provides the opposition with a concrete, citizen-facing issue at the onset of the monsoon's peak period. With more heavy rain expected, the government's response in the coming days will be closely watched.