COIMBATORE: Call it the Anna Hazare syndrome or sheer frustration over the state of civic affairs, the coming local body elections, particularly in the city corporation wards, is likely to see a considerable number of independent candidates and nominees from the lesser-known political and social outfits. Many of these groups here are engaged in discussions with various residential associations in the city to finalise the course of action.
"There is a growing resentment among the public in various parts of the city due to the lacklustre implementation of various projects and they are demanding a change from the regular politicians. The recent anti-corruption movements and the Anna Hazare factor are expected to help us considerably," said Raj Kumarr Velu, director, Fifth Pillar, a civil society outfit.
Some of the prominent residential localities in the city are likely to see candidates from these groups in the fray for the post of councillors. These candidates are likely to be from the professional classes, who are likely to come forward and take up the responsibility. Makkal Sakthi Iyyakkam, an alternate political outfit that had fielded candidates in the state assembly election, too have decided to actively participate in the local body election.
"The main issues we are planning to highlight include the deplorable condition of the roads, inadequate water supply and also the frequent hassles faced by the common public while dealing with corporation officials," said K Prakash, a probable candidate on a Makkal Sakthi Iyyakam ticket from one of the wards in Peelamedu locality.
Many people, especially from the middle and upper middle class families residing in organised residential localities in the city, are upset about the corporation's storm water drain and Under Ground Drainage projects. They alleged that the roads dug up for the drainage work are yet to be fully levelled and reconstructed by the city corporation.
"The anger among the residents is at an all-time high as these projects were carried out in an improper manner. There are even discussions to boycott the polls altogether in selected pockets in the city," said Tarun Shah, a member of Siruthuli, an NGO, and a member of Bharathi Park residents association campaigning against the shoddy progress of storm water drain and mindless felling of trees in the city.
Meanwhile, the corporation is trying to implement and complete its projects without irking the city residents further before the local body election. The civic body had even passed a resolution to sanction Rs 15.24 crore for the maintenance of about 49 km of roads dug up for laying under ground drainage network.
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