Tamil Nadu Assembly Election: civic issues take centre stage as electors in Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni call for permanent solutions, improved security

While the Greater Chennai Police and the Central Reserve Police Force held a flag march in a congested area near Chepauk Palace in the Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni Assembly constituency on Wednesday, 64-year-old Samsath Begum was sitting on the footpath selling clothes amid vehicles haphazardly parked near her home.

“I am requesting the MLA for a new mobile vending cart for my business. I have also applied for Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam,” he said. Pointing out the loss of livelihood of many vendors in the constituency, he said: “Many poor residents in our constituency are dependent on financial assistance from the government. I have just received ₹5,000 from the state government. But I will still vote for DMK because of its welfare schemes.”

Police and CRPF personnel held flag march in Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni Assembly constituency on Wednesday | Photo Credit: M. Srinath

Ahead of the election, voters in the DMK stronghold highlighted widespread civic issues, including inadequate parking spaces, large-scale unauthorized development of commercial buildings in former ‘permanent building’ residential areas, illegal parking of vehicles along roads, security issues and encroachment on congested areas. Major landmarks in the constituency include Sri Parthasarathy Temple, Marina beach, Chepauk Stadium, Madras University, Tamil Nadu Government Multi Super Specialty Hospital and Amir Mahal, the residence of the Prince of Arcot.

traffic jam

Roads like Quaid E Millath Road, Barathi Salai and Zam Bazaar have recorded an increase in traffic congestion recently.

Reiterating the negative impact of unauthorized parking of vehicles by pilgrims visiting places of worship in the area, AV Kasturi Rangan of Triplicane said: “Five years ago, we had demanded a solution to the parking problem around the Sri Parthasarathy Temple. The MLA was expected to find a permanent solution and construct parking spaces for the vehicles of pilgrims. Pilgrims park their vehicles right in front of the gates of residences.” Traffic congestion near the Grand Mosque is also a big problem.

Danger of stray cattle

Resident and social worker TJ Ramani said civic issues, including stray cattle, were not resolved due to delay in construction of shelter for stray cattle in the constituency.

“The government has not constructed a multi-storey car park for vehicles near Sri Parthasarathy Temple. Infrastructure needs to be improved for the safety and security of residents, especially working professionals and students using Triplicane MRTS station. Three entry points of the station need to be improved. Bus service from Ice House to T. Nagar has been withdrawn completely. Residents of the constituency now have no bus connectivity from Ice House to T. Nagar via Mylapore. The frequency of buses is 45A, 24A, 24C and 29D needs to be increased,” Mr. Ramani added.

Sri Parthasarathy Temple tank | Photo Credit: M. Srinath

Residents also complained about pollution caused by illegal sewer connections from commercial establishments in the rainwater drains of the tank at Sri Parthasarathy Temple. Inadequate treatment of sewage remains another challenge in the densely populated constituency.

Thiruvallikeni Traders Association president VP Mani said the MLA has taken measures to fulfill the demands of traders in his constituency, including simplifying the procedure for renewal of trading licenses with the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC). “After the government is formed, we request the Gulf Cooperation Council to establish closed-circuit television camera surveillance for the safety and security of traders,” he said. Most voters in the constituency, who earn their living from commercial activities, demanded that Marina Beach be improved to attract tourists from around the world.

Following the Special Intensive Revision, 76,221 voters in the constituency were removed from the electoral roll. Political functionaries of various parties in the constituency are sensitizing voters to submit Form 6 to have their names included in the electoral rolls.

political scene

While DMK and its allies expect a four-cornered contest in the constituency of AIADMK and BJP, TVK and NTK, several party representatives said they expect voters aged between 18 and 30, including those from Scheduled Caste and minority communities, to support an alternative party like TVK against the two Dravidian majors, pointing to the possibility of a much narrower victory for Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi than last time. Stalin if the party decides to bring him back into this constituency.

However, DMK party representatives said housing for the poor in areas like Cox Colony, Goyyathoppu and NN Nagar, ration shops, smart classrooms, integrated skill and sports centres, Vivekanandar Illam, West Cooum River Road, Adam market and Dr. He said he was optimistic that the squad would achieve another victory by a huge margin in 2026, thanks to the implementation of numerous civic infrastructure projects, including bus stops and libraries in Natesan Salai. For the well-being of students in low-income neighborhoods.