Aluva municipality is getting ready for a stiff electoral battle between the United Democratic Front (UDF) and the Left Democratic Front (LDF) amidst hopes by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of making its presence felt in the forthcoming local body polls.
The mainstream political parties are keeping their fingers crossed as a keen contest is on the cards for the 26 wards. The UDF, which had swept the elections held in 2010 by securing 23 seats, hopes to regain power while the Left front is all ready to electrify the anti-incumbency factor.
“Cases filed in the courts hampered the Aluva market modernisation project. The garbage menace was handled by taking the waste to the Kochi Corporation’s Brahmapuram plant. Our development achievements include the new fish market, buildings for Kudumbasree and Integrated Child Development Services and online facility for payment of various services offered by the local body,” said M.T. Jacob, the outgoing municipal chairman.
Terming the UDF rule as one that could not even find resources to pay salary to the municipality employees, Manoj Krishnan, outgoing opposition leader and CPI member, said the ruling front failed in all major areas. “They could not set up a waste treatment facility at the land in Nalammail. The coffers went dry after the internal revenue collection dipped miserably,” he said.
BJP exudes confidence
The BJP exuded confidence when its district president P.J. Thomas said it would put up an impressive performance in the municipality. “We will have strategic alliance at the local level including the understanding with the SNDP,” he said.
Echoing an independent view on Aluva’s developmental needs, noted writer Sethu said the town had almost become part of the greater Kochi region and suggested that it required a pro-active development model and vision for the future.
“Periyar is polluted beyond redemption. We need a rejuvenation plan similar to the Ganga action plan. Garbage menace and shortage of drinking water supply will turn worse, with the mushrooming skyscrapers dotting the skyline in Aluva and nearby regions. The Aluva Railway station now remains in a deplorable condition,” he said.
