Development, welfare, and civic problems shape the poll mood in Thiru. Vi. Ka. Nagar

Marked by its crowded roads, densely populated areas, and ongoing civic upgrades, Thiru. Vi. Ka. Nagar constituency reflects the changing face of north Chennai, where development aspirations and civic concerns continue to shape the political mood.

This reserved constituency, carved out of the Perambur constituency, presents a mix of high-rise buildings along with lower middle-class neighbourhoods. Named after Tamil scholar Thiru V. Kalyanasundaram, it comprises areas such as Pattalam, Otteri, Jamalia, Pulianthope, and parts of Perambur and Ayanavaram.

Interestingly, Thiru. Vi. Ka. Nagar, the locality that lends its name to the constituency is part of the neighbouring star constituency — Kolathur. Formed after the 2008 delimitation, the constituency has witnessed three Assembly elections so far with Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam having an edge. Sitting MLA P. Sivakumar alias Thayagam Kavi represented the constituency for two consecutive times.

This time, Thiru. Vi. Ka. Nagar is preparing for an interesting contest, with former Egmore MLA K.S. Ravichandran and Porkodi Armstrong, wife of former Bahujan Samaj Party leader Armstrong in the field. TVK’s M.R. Pallavi and NTK’s Jagadesh Chander are also in the fray. Chennai mayor R. Priya represents a ward from this constituency, adding to its political significance.

Besides a remarkable real estate growth and high-rise buildings that have changed the landscape on arterial stretches like Cooks Road and Stephenson Road, Thiru. Vi. Ka. Nagar has witnessed many improvements. More football grounds and community halls have been built across the constituency, and schools and health centres have been renovated. Jamalia now has Annal Ambedkar wedding hall upgraded under the Vadachennai Valarchi Thittam.

But residents say their struggle for basic amenities in some areas persists. Piped water supply is yet to reach areas such as V.O.C. Nagar and Kannigapuram. Kiran Subbaiah of Patel Road said though roads are cleaner, the area continues to grapple with irregular water supply.

Places like Decoster Road, Pulianthope face sewage pollution. Drug abuse is common among youngsters in parts of Pulianthope, according to residents. B. Jagadesan, resident of Prakash Rao Colony, said sewage issue has been frequent for some years. Night food stalls and commercial activity have encroached road space and worsened traffic congestion.

While pipelines were laid in places like Jamalia under Vadachennai Valarchi Thittam, residents said sewer connections are yet to be provided. Though Perambur High Road, Jamalia, is now being provided with stormwater drain (SWD) network, residents said existing SWD must be desilted, and the area is vulnerable to waterlogging.

S. Lokabiraman of Jamalia, highlighted the poor condition of interior roads, including Hyder Garden Street, which have not been relaid for some years now. “Piles of garbage are left on road corners as garbage collection is poor. We need speed breakers in interior roads and at Jamalia Nagar junction. Sewage pumping station need to be enhanced,” he said.

Designated parking

Perambur High Road needs designated parking slots to regulate vehicle parking. Residents like R. Umapathy emphasised the need to clear encroachments along the road that have eaten into footpath space. Pattalam is among the places that have seen flood mitigation measures.

A large portion of Otteri Nullah, which flows through this constituency, is in dire need of restoration and the demand for desilting and sewage-free waterway is on the minds of voters here. Better sanitation and public toilets are other key demands.

Perambur slaughterhouse, one of city’s largest facilities, requires renovation.

While lauding the efforts to improve water supply and reduce waterlogging in Otteri, former councillor Devi said the capacity of the sewer network, including pumping station, must be improved in line with the growing population.

Employment opportunities and welfare support are other major talking points as the constituency heads to the polls.

This constituency has a sizeable population of unorganised workers and youngsters need better jobs with assured income. said Selvaraj. V., CPI (M) Thiru. Vi. Ka. Nagar Area Secretary.

He also underlined the need to provide patta documents and improve housing in areas such as Gandhi Nagar, S.S. Puram, Ambedkar Nagar, and V.O.C. Nagar. Those living in railway lands in Rajiv Gandhi Nagar and Mangalapuram are also seeking alternate housing. “We are unable to identify who owns the land on which Gandhi Nagar residents are living for decades, making it difficult to get pattas,” he said.

Functionaries from various parties noted that TVK, the new entrant, has attracted interest among youngsters. But, how far this enthusiasm would translate into votes and whether it can overcome DMK’s strong alliance and welfare schemes remains to be seen.