“Councilors Are Not Kings Of Their Areas”: Vanathi Srinivasan Explains How DMK Councilors Are Stopping Welfare Schemes And Initiatives In Coimbatore, Urges Action On Paralympic Sports Center Delay

Coimbatore South MLA and BJP Mahila Morcha President Vanathi Srinivasan has strongly criticized DMK councilors, accusing them of behaving like satraps in their respective wards. She alleged that when a legislator proposes a project and secures a budget for it, the corporation councilors obstruct its implementation. Furthermore, she claimed that even when such incidents are reported to corporation officials, no action is taken, as the officials appear to be colluding with the councilors.

Vanathi Srinivasan leveled these accusations during a program organized by the Coimbatore People’s Service Center to distribute free sewing machines to 50 underprivileged women. The event took place today at Sivananda Colony’s Hosimin Nagar, where Vanathi Srinivasan personally distributed the sewing machines to the beneficiaries.

Following the event, while addressing a press meet, Vanathi Srinivasan stated, “If an MLA proposes a project or constructing a bus stand using MLA funds, local councilors in the area act as though they are kings of their area and obstruct the implementation of work there. The corporation officials are indifferent, simply answering us by consulting with them and respond to us what they say. Let me give you an example. In Ramanathapuram, there was an issue regarding the placement of a water tank and a water ATM. To avoid conflicts with them, what did I do? 300 families in the area signed a petition and submitted it to me. I forwarded that to the corporation commissioner, highlighting the collective demand of these 300 families that they want it there. Yet, the response I received was ‘compromise with the councilors.’ Why should there be a need for reconciliation? If an MLA initiates a project based on the people’s requirements, why must it hinge on the councilors’ approval? What’s happening here? Ward councilors doesn’t mean they are kings of that area. They are attempting to block MLA-funded works. For instance, I allocated funds for a bus stand after local authorities identified and approved the site. The corporation finalized the contractor and began the work, but local councilors intervened and stopped the project, claiming they had assigned the project to another contractor two years ago. When I brought this to the corporation’s attention, there was no response. They are not even allowing us to work.”

Criticizing the DMK administration, Vanathi Srinivasan highlighted her efforts to support para-athletes in her constituency. She stated that six months ago, she had sanctioned a ₹2 crore fund and issued the necessary approval to build a gymnasium for para-athletes, leveraging her role as the All India Chief Patron of the Paralympic Committee. The initiative aimed to provide a dedicated training facility for these athletes.

However, despite her efforts, progress has been stalled. She explained that the authorities had not even identified a suitable location for the project. “I have approached the district collector four times and spoke to corporation commissioner multiple times,” she noted. When an area was finally proposed, the sports department deemed it insufficient for constructing the center. Highlighting the challenges, she described the situation as indicative of broader inefficiencies within the state.

Vanathi Srinivasan concluded by urging the state government to prioritize this issue and allocate adequate land for establishing the Paralympic sports center, emphasizing its importance for the welfare and development of para-athletes.

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