UDF and LDF go all out to clinch Vellimadukunnu
Prema Balagopalan , UDF candidate
VELLIMADUKUNNU: Vellimadukunnu, the Ward 15 of the Kozhikode Corporation, is witnessing a fierce battle between two women - Janamma Kunjunni of CPM and the Congress party's Prameela Balagopalan.
Both are experienced councillors and had a long stint in politics making the fight close. Ms Kunjunni is the health standing committee chairperson of the outgoing council. She claims a slew of programmes to her credit.
“De-addiction centre at Nadappalam, installing of CCTV cameras to nab those dumping waste in public places and new waste treatment plant at Njeliyanparambu were implemented or are under implementation,” she told DC.
“It was during my tenure that the number of health centers rose to 15 from seven. Similarly, pain and palliative care facility has been streamlined and a dream project, Clean Kozhikode was implemented.”
Her focus now is on solving the drinking water problems in the hilly area. “Many families in Puliyakodukunnu face potable water scarcity. Similarly, the materialisation of MCH-Vellimadukunnu Road, Vellimadukunnu-Kovur Road and Vellimadukunnu-Parambil Bazaar Road are on my priority list,” she said.
“If I got elected, I would not get into the shoes of any standing committee chairperson, but devote myself to the people of my ward.”
Ms Kunjunni, who had a 30-year stint as a teacher, represented Poolakadavu ward in the outgoing council.
Congress candidate Ms Balagopalan started her day at 7 am at Pathroni Nagar, visiting each household, on Sunday.
The Mahila Congress district vice-president was a corporator twice - representing Chevayur and Vellimadukunnu.
Her husband K. Balagopalan is the sitting councilor of Vellimadukunnu, and he is spearheading her campaign.
“I am seeking votes for the continuation of development works we initiated. A full-fledged library is a long pending dream. The land for the same has been identified. Similarly, asphaltation of the road requires urgent attention,” she says.
She dismissed the allegation that lack of drinking water supply was a major problem in the ward.
“It is not as grave as being made out to be. Interruption of corporation water supply scheme is the problem. A complete overhaul of the supply system would plug that loophole,” she claimed.
LDF is trying hard to wrest the ward that traditionally supports UDF. Last time, Balagopalan had a majority of 564 votes over his LDF rival.
LDF is pinning its hopes on Ms Kunjunni’s high voltage campaign, and the contributory factor is she's local woman.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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