CHENNAI: When the Greater Chennai Corporation council convenes on March 2, it will have a representation of diverse ideologies.
The AIADMK in 2011 had a majority on its own, winning 168 of the 200 seats with no alliance partners. This time, the DMK-led council will feature the two left parties the Congress, the Indian Union Muslim League. the MDMK and even the BJP.
The VCK, which won in areas where there are more slum board colonies, said it would focus on sanitation and hygiene first. “Many of these colonies lack sanitation, hygiene and proper drinking water. This will be our primary focus and we will effectively voice this in the council,” said Vikraman, VCK spokesperson. The party has won four out of six seats it contested. Two of the seats are in North Chennai.
Vikaraman said they have won a ward near Manali and the major issue of the residents was pollution and basic civic amenities such as roads. “Those who live there are mostly marginalized and they will get a sharper voice in the assembly,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Congress, which has 13 councillors now, said it would be focusing on bringing in accountability to the smart city projects. “In places like T Nagar, stormwater drains have been blocked by the walkways built. This was the major reason for the city flooding. The party will monitor the contractors for better accountability,” said Hasan Maulana, Congress MLA from Velachery, a locality that witnessed intense flooding. Attending to civic issues will help the party gain people’s trust. “The councillors will be active from the first day,” he said.
Residents of slum board colonies have not received their sale deeds, despite living there for years and having all amenities. "We will work to ensure they get it too," he said.
The council will likely elect a mayor by March 2.
