T.Nagar: Even contest likely in T.Nagar

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI, MAY 3. The throng and bustle on the main roads emphasise the even contest on the cards here.

If Chennai is deemed a DMK bastion, the history of Theagarayanagar Assembly constituency in South Chennai, paints a contrasting picture.

The seat has changed hands in the last four elections, among the Congress (I) in 1984, the DMK in 1989, the AIADMK in 1991 and the TMC in 1996.

This time, the area of big business, jewellery shops, small traders and laid-back residents, is likely to see a contest between an ambitious local DMK functionary and a woman veteran of many an administrative job in the AIADMK. However, a palpable apathy among the voters ought to worry all 11 contestants, including 8 independents.

Ironically, one politician who did the rounds of the constituency over the past term is the TMC sitting MLA, Dr.A. Chellakumar, who has moved to another constituency, thanks to alliance politics.

Enthused by the support from allies, the DMK candidate Mr.J. Anbazhagan (43) is nursing hopes of bagging the seat. But, he has to face a stiff resistance from the AIADMK's Ms. E.V.K.Sulochana Sampath. Mr. K. Thiagarajan of the MDMK is not making life easy for both contestants, with his campaign style.

Contrary to public perception that T.Nagar is a constituency of the elite, it has a sizable SC/ST population spread across 11 corporation divisions - the main target of the intending MLAs. Of the 2.78 lakh voters, 35 per cent comprises forward classes and the so-called urban elite. This is the reason that the AIADMK front's campaign about the lack of money circulation is likely to make a dent among undecided voters.

T.Nagar residents have for 15 years been complaining about two seemingly unsolvable problems: water scarcity and traffic gridlock. Mr. Anbazhagan, born and brought up in the area, says he will pursue a special scheme to build a huge water storage facility and supply network. ``I will also seek funds to build a flyover at Inner-ring Road Vadapalani junction and a subway at Rangarajapuram, badly needed to ease the congestion. I will also address the parking problem especially on by-lanes abutting the thoroughfares. It is a big headache for the residents. I will seek Central or even World Bank funding to get these projects.''

The reason for his confidence: ``Most of the residents know me from my ``Anbazhagan fruit shop''. I studied in a local school and many local residents are my customers.'' An interesting sidelight is that this fruit shop along with a rival are prominent for taking up pavement space in an area where each square foot of land is worth lakhs.

Ms. Sulochana Sampath makes similar promises. ``Our leader will solve all the major problems of all constituencies.

My colleagues and I will focus on ensuring that the DMK leader pays for the misdeeds of the last five years, including his vindictive actions against our leader. We will make him pay,'' she says.

An administrator, Ms. Sampath has been a Chairperson of TIDCO, SIDCO, Slum Clearance Board and Textbook Corporation. ``My tenures there were deemed golden era, as I never displayed party affiliation. I have and will continue to work for all sections.''

If elected, ``I will focus on wiping out rowdyism and criminal elements that are terrorising traders and residents,'' she says, apparently referring to the entrenched culture of extracting ``mamools by thugs and even those in uniform in this shopping area.''

Besides going around the area, Ms. Sampath has an army of 108 women for door-to-door canvassing.

Mr. Thiagarajan goes around the streets seeking votes for a change. ``Our leader is the only person with an image of probity in public life. for the State to prosper, do we not need clean leaders,'' he asks from street-corners. ``Both the DMK and the AIADMK have not solved basic problems of the poor because of corruption. Don't you need a clean person heading the Government so that people are benefitted,'' he asks rhetorically.

The questions sound reasonable, but traders and residents are yet to warm up to the campaign. As the noisy convoys buzz past, residents look up with mere fleeting interest.

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Section  : State Elections
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