With women voters in the district outnumbering men, candidates for elections to local bodies are pulling out all the stops to woo them. Local issues such as waste management, roads, water, and education which affect the quality of women’s life play a key role in deciding whom they vote for.
Vidya Mohan who is contesting Thycaud on a Communist Party of India (Marxist) ticket says most women voters highlight lack of drinking water in the ward. Waste management, most women say, will be crucial in deciding whom to cast their ballot for. Former Chala councillor Usha Satheesan says it will be a critical factor in all the wards in the city.
Prasanna Kumari R.S., a home-maker in Karamana ward, says not all candidates address the garbage issue. One candidate repeatedly promised to find a solution to the vexing problem by setting up a waste management plant in the ward. Shirley S., Congress candidate from Palayam, says the issue finds resonance among women as it affects the health of their family. Lalitha Devi C. of Vazhuthacaud ward says the stray dog menace is exacerbated by the dumping of waste by the clubs in the locality and the food vans that fail to clean up when they wind up for the night.
The condition of roads is another issue that voters bring up. Manju P.V., who is the Bharatiya Janata Party candidate in Thirumala, says women voters usually point to the poor condition of the roads in the ward. Ms. Shirley says roads and drainage are the other issues that engage women. Another issue that strikes a chord with them is the state of schools. Ms. Mohan says three government schools in her area lack smart classrooms and computer labs.
Ms. Lalitha Devi says that a couple of schools in the Vazhuthacaud area that function out of converted houses have narrow approach roads which may prove deadly in case of any emergency. Women are also keen on seeing new faces in the poll fray, especially young candidates whose enthusiasm is not dulled by cynicism. Ms. Satheesan says women candidates are seen as more approachable. Women are also keen on candidates whom they can sound out on issues that impact them.
Women voters outnumber men in district.
