There will be a unique battle in this election as Saidai Duraiswamy of the two former mayors AIADMK and Maa of DMK in Saidapet assembly constituency. Subramanian is in the fray.
Former Chief Minister and DMK President M. Karunanidhi contested from Saidapet constituency twice and won.
While residents appreciate the initiative on planting trees and better maintenance of storm-water drains, concerns about water supply and flooding remain. The region was the most affected during the 2015 Chennai floods.
He said, “Since storm-water drains are cleaned regularly, the stagnation of water is less than before. But many roads face heavy water shortages during summer and rely on supplies through lorries, ”said Vishnu Ram of West Saidapet. Stray cattle are another concern for its inhabitants.
The water and drainage facilities at both Arasu Pannai First and Second Street, which house many daily wage and contract laborers, is a dream. Their water supply begins to run through the lorry before summer and each household gets only four pots of water a day, Lourdhe Marie said.
“While work on laying a drainage system had recently started, it was abruptly halted. We have only one public toilet.
Mr. Subramanian, MLA, says among his plans for the constituency, if re-elected, instead of ensuring that around 600 families in Thidar Nagar are given houses in the locality, modernization of Saidapet Bazar, along with Adyar River for building strength, and skill-based classes such as tailoring for women from low-income families.
Faced problems
Mr. Subramanian, while acknowledging the serious issue of water scarcity in the area, said that till now, water was being supplied to the residents in tankers.
“As stated in the DMK manifesto, we will work on the supply of water through taps to all households if elected and will focus on the conservation and maintenance of water sources.”
Mr. Duriswamy said that there is a need to look beyond providing basic amenities and focus on four areas – employment, health, food and education.
“Apart from Amma Anwagam, facilities where the poor can parcel and take food home and the constituency will see training programs for competitive examinations for students. I always believe that it is accessible and an MLA will start a helpline where residents can register their complaints through WhatsApp or call.
Apart from this, Sneha Mohandos is also the founder of Foodbank India this year from Makkad Nidi Maam. The young candidate said that in an area where people of income bracket live, the concerns of the poor living with Adyar have been ignored.
“I have met and worked with many of these residents in the past and the lack of infrastructure for them requires immediate attention,” he said.
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