Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) has asked its functionaries to intensify grassroots work ahead of the upcoming local body elections and focus on addressing long-pending civic issues at the ward level.

The decision was taken at a joint meeting of the party’s administrative committee and executive committee, held online on Thursday in the presence of general secretary A. Arunachalam and vice-presidents A.G. Mourya and R. Thangavelu, following instructions from party president and Rajya Sabha MP Kamal Haasan.

The meeting also condemned the failure to hold area sabha meetings scheduled for September 15 and urged the Tamil Nadu government to ensure that the next round of meetings, due on December 10, was conducted after proper advance notice.

On monsoon preparedness, the party decided that its functionaries should immediately take up relief work in areas affected by the northeast monsoon and the effects of El Niño. The party recalled Mr. Haasan’s direct involvement in relief efforts during disasters such as Cyclone Gaja and the Chennai floods.

The meeting also resolved to organise public welfare activities across Tamil Nadu on November 7 to mark Mr. Haasan’s birthday. These would include blood and body donation drives, tree planting and educational initiatives.