CHENNAI: They are yet to learn the ropes of their trade and the excitement of getting elected is yet to sink in. But, the first time legislators are raring to go and have an agenda of what they had to do for their constituencies.
An interaction with the debutantes from across the parties, a day after their election, revealed that they have many dreams to accomplish. They talked about a host of issues raging from basic amenities, infrastructure facilities, pending works awaiting completion, construction of check dams for improving irrigation facilities, new bus terminals to financial assistance for entrepreneurs. A look into the aspirations of some:
Virugai VN Ravi (AIADMK), Virugambakkam: Presently the party’s south Chennai district secretary. “Most importantly, around one lakh people in my constituency living in hutments need to get house pattas. Fulfilling the basic amenities of my constituency will be of equal importance,” he says.
V Alexander (AIADMK) Ambattur: “My priority will be basic amenities. Will strive to make my constituency the cleanest by removing all garbage. People have sought more higher secondary schools and a co-education arts and science college. Extension of drainage connection to their area is also a demand in some areas. My experience as a councillor in Ambattur municipality as well as Chennai Corporation would help me in my works.”
KS Masthan (DMK) Gingee: “Immediate steps to improve irrigation facilities for agricultural lands in my constituency by completing Nandhan Kaalvai Project is a priority. Will also strive for turning Gingee as as a major tourist spot by setting up rope cars and boating in this historic town. Improving basic amenities will be a focus to increase tourist inflow. Laying better roads and rectifying the erratic water supply are also on my agenda.”
Stalinkumar (DMK) Thuraiyur (SC): “Our constituency is economically backward and hence it needs a lot of development. Will take steps to build a check dam to tap the surplus water from Jambai lake for agriculture. Desilting the big lake and small lake in Thuraiyur town would help store more rain water.”
VS Kalimuthu (Congress) Dharapuram: “Visiting all villages in the constituency is the first thing for me to get first hand information. I have served as village panchayat president for 20 years and that experience will be very helpful. Taking steps for implementing Thirurmuthy water project and the Erode to Palani railway line via Dharapuram, pending since UPA-I regime are a priority.”
