THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Vanchiyoor is all set for a triangular battle with UDF, LDF and BJP in the forthcoming elections even as minor scuffles between workers of rival parties creating tension in some areas.
There have been incidents of destruction of flex boards and posters of candidates. Though Vanchiyoor had traditionally witnessed direct battle between LDF and UDF, this time the BJP has put up a strong candidate in Ashok Kumar who is also being projected as party’s Mayor candidate.
However, JDU’s Vanchiyoor Surendhran who is the UDF candidate is not worried about the presence of Ashok Kumar. “We have completed 90 per cent works in Vanchiyoor. So we are not giving any false promises. People of the ward are aware of our work,” he said.
The LDF candidate R.Babu countered the claims of UDF saying that the last five years had witnessed no development worth the name. Hundreds of people come to district court daily but the roads here are in bad condition.
The area gets flooded after a brief spell of rain. Drinking water problems in Pulimoodu- Kunnumpuram areas remain unresolved.
BJP candidate Ashok kumar is worried about the name sake independent candidates. “LDF is playing a dirty game. They have fielded independent candidates with names having similarity with BJP and UDF candidates. Surendhran with flute as symbol and Ashokan with rose flower are in the fray,” he said and added that their presence might create confusion among the voters.
He admitted that certain national issues had affected their election campaign. The ward has many problems. Sree Chithra Nagar is faced with the problem of waste water entering the main road. The local residents want the Vanchiyoor high school to be upgraded to plus two level and they also want a digital classroom.
“Corporation has allocated substantial funds, pension for the benefit of people. But many of the benefits don’t reach the beneficiaries. During elections these politicians come with many promises, but later they disappear,” said Leena, who runs a tailor shop.
