The Hindu : Pamphlet campaign to fight `corrupt woman councillor'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Apr 23, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Tamil Nadu-Chennai

Pamphlet campaign to fight `corrupt woman councillor'

By Karthik Subramanian

CHENNAI APRIL 22. There was intensive distribution of pamphlets in the Ayanavaram area (ward 55) on Tuesday exhorting the residents to rise in protest against what they described as "the corrupt practices of the local councillor."

The sharp "indictment" of the councillor has brought into focus the troubled relationship between the voters and the elected representatives.

The unsigned pamphlet detailed incidents of harassment allegedly arising from the actions of the councillor, Mangayarkarasi (AIADMK), and her family members — such as asking for non-receipt payments from citizens for various routine activities. Even normal tasks such as sinking borewells or running roadside food stalls were not possible without parting with money, the note said, asking the residents not to fear repercussions and file complaints with the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption and the Chief Minister's cell.

Among other allegations, the pamphlet said the councillor was openly demanding money from people who were storing blue metal and bricks for construction work.

When contacted, Ms. Mangayarkarasi vehemently denied the allegations and said she was being victimised by vested interests. "I am a field-level worker and start my day at 7 a.m. to engage in public work. People who are envious of my rise in the ranks have distributed the pamphlets with a malicious intent," the councillor, who is also the Working Committee (Health) chairman, said.

Incidentally, the pamphlet also raised serious allegations against the health department officials ``for acting as conduits for the councillor''.

Meanwhile, several residents said the only way to clear the air was through a DVAC probe.

Road contract

The road contract for laying the Parasurameswaran Koil North Mada Street was settled for Rs. 2.97 lakhs two months ago. Several loads of blue metal were unloaded at the site. But work is yet to start.

Ironically, even the councillor stays on North Mada Street and attributes the delay in the work to the "shortage of tar."

However, the residents and traders have another version. They say the contractor was harassed to part with a huge sum which became unaffordable and hence the delay in start of work.

Even the councillor's claim that she is a field worker is received with wry smiles. Residents of Konoor High Road have not been receiving water in their pipelines for more than five years now. While campaigning during the local bodies elections, Ms. Mangayarkarasi promised to get water supply to the area. But so far, this has not materialised.

The councillor herself admitted that water was not available in Konoor High Road but took refuge saying the problem was nothing new and was several years old now.

Another glaring discrepancy is the vacancy of the post of joint engineer for the ward, not filled for three months now. Most residents are not willing to buy the councillor's argument that the vacancy has not been filled because of shortage of officials with the Corporation. "She belongs to the ruling party and also holds the post of Health Committee chairman. How can we believe that she is not able to fill up the vacancy? The fact remains that no official is willing to work in the ward," a civic body official, on condition of anonymity, said.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Southern States

Stories in this Section

Ban on demolition of public use buildings

Paying power bill, an ordeal

Pamphlet campaign to fight `corrupt woman councillor'

Marine biotech park near Mamallapuram: Jayalalithaa

`Expose' on encroachments triggers fiery spat

Probe into `forcible removal' of pregnant woman from hospital

Fish-cart driver arrested

CMWSSB alteration of superannuation benefits stayed