Incumbent South Chennai DMK MP Tamizhachi Thangapandian Turned Away By Residents Over Neglect And Disarray Of Their Homes

In South Chennai, a competitive race unfolds as BJP’s Tamilisai Soundararajan, AIADMK’s candidate Dr. J Jayavarthan, and the incumbent South Chennai MP Thamizhachi Thangapandian of the DMK contest against each other. The South Chennai Parliamentary Constituency comprises six constituencies: Virugambakkam, Saidapet, Thiagaraya Nagar, Mylapore, Velachery, and Sholinganallur. With the nomination process concluded, they have all embarked on roadshows across South Chennai, engaging with constituents, and garnering support for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Against this backdrop, Thamizhachi Thangapandian, vying for her second term from the DMK in the South Chennai constituency, faced a challenging situation. A commotion erupted in Mylapore as the public expressed their grievances, alleging that the MP was only visible during elections and remained oblivious to ongoing issues otherwise. The campaign vehicle of Thamizhachi Thangapandian on her 2nd day campaign was obstructed by agitated residents who bombarded her with questions. They accused her of neglecting the damaged Bharathidasan Nagar Housing Board despite assurances to rectify the situation over an extended period. Residents voiced their frustration, shouting, “Go, come next time, go away now,” while women questioned if her visits were merely to ascertain their well-being. Others angrily pointed out the significance of their votes, emphasizing the MP’s self-serving motives and questioning who suffered the consequences. The demand for the prompt repair of the damaged housing board intensified, causing a stir that prompted the MP to alter her course.

The housing units in Bharathidasan Nagar Housing Board were built over 50 years ago, and their present condition is in an extremely bad shape. The ceilings show significant wear and tear, with exposed cement and iron grills visible. The stairs are broken, and there are holes present in it. Residents recount an incident where a balcony collapsed, resulting in one resident losing three fingers. Similar concerns extend to the interiors, where ceilings occasionally collapse, posing significant risks to residents’ safety. Another female resident expressed her frustration, stating, “You’re claiming you don’t need the votes from this constituency. Do you really think you’ll win?” Thamizhachi replied affirmatively and left. Residents pointed out the lack of access to clean drinking water and the issue of contaminated water affecting them. Another resident criticized the DMK government, highlighting their failure to fulfill promises such as the construction of new housing boards after demolishing existing ones. They expressed concerns about potential displacement and the financial burden of finding alternative accommodation, particularly for low-income daily wage earners.

Previously Thangapandian said that over the past five years, she has been actively sharing her activities and contributions to the constituency through social media. Many of the issues highlighted during this period have been addressed, although some minor concerns still persist. Thangapandian assured that these remaining issues would also be addressed promptly. The statement was made in the presence of Mylapore Assembly member D. Velu, representatives from alliance parties, and members of the DMK during the vote collection event.

It can be said that Chennai serves as a bastion for the DMK, as the party consistently emerges victorious in this region. The DMK alliance secured victory in all constituencies within the Chennai city during the 2021 assembly elections. And the commotion by the residents is seen a setback.

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