Chennai, June 23:
A fresh wave of speculation has emerged over the possible relocation of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, with reports suggesting that the State government is considering shifting it to a new venue along the East Coast Road (ECR).
Demands to move the Assembly from its current location have persisted for several years. During the 2006–2011 tenure of former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, a new Assembly complex was constructed at the Omandurar Government Estate on Anna Salai in Chennai. However, after J. Jayalalithaa assumed office, the facility was repurposed into a multi-specialty government hospital, and the Assembly has since been functioning from Fort St. George.
According to recent information, the present government is now exploring a plan to relocate the Assembly to the upcoming Kalaignar International Convention Centre being constructed at Muttukadu on the ECR. The move is reportedly aimed at easing congestion within the Fort St. George premises and ensuring smoother access for the Chief Minister, ministers, and Members of the Legislative Assembly without traffic disruptions.
The Kalaignar International Convention Centre is being developed at an estimated cost of ₹535 crore. Designed as a world-class facility, it will feature a grand conference hall with a seating capacity of 5,000 and an expansive exhibition space capable of accommodating up to 10,000 visitors simultaneously.
Construction of the project is progressing rapidly, and officials expect the entire complex to be completed by December this year.
While no official announcement has yet been made regarding the Assembly’s relocation, the proposal has already sparked considerable discussion in political and administrative circles.