The upcoming Lok Sabha elections in India are not only important for determining the country’s central government but are also putting pressure on councillors and MLAs due to the increasing focus on local issues. These elected representatives are worried about how their performance in dealing with these local issues might affect the overall outcome of the elections. Consequently, they have been urging officials to expedite development work and complete pending projects in their respective areas.
For example, in the city of Coimbatore, roads are being hastily laid in residential areas. However, the AIADMK has capitalised on the perceived lack of development work in the city and has turned it into a core plank of their election campaign. The party’s former minister, S P Velumani, recently questioned the lack of action by the 97 DMK councillors in the Coimbatore Corporation.
As councillors and MLAs of local bodies will be accompanying an MP candidate during campaigns, any criticisms towards these elected representatives would directly impact the party and the MP candidate. In the Trichy Corporation, some councillors have become more proactive in fulfilling the demands of the residents in recent months. Nonetheless, they are concerned that pending promises may resurface during the election campaigns. For instance, the absence of service roads on the Trichy-Thanjavur national highway, leading to fatal accidents, has been a critical issue since 2014.
Residents’ associations in the Thiruverumbur assembly constituency, which falls under the Trichy Lok Sabha segment, have been holding discussions to raise the issue of local infrastructure work with party leaders who are seeking votes. Voters, like S Sakthivel, are determined to bring up local issues during the election campaign by the political parties.
In Maanur, Tirunelveli, residents of MGR Nagar hoisted black flags and threatened to boycott the elections due to the lack of issuance of pattas (formal documents of land ownership). Political leaders promptly intervened and pacified them. Similarly, people in Ulagudayarpalayam, Tirupur, have also declared a boycott because the damaged low-level bridge across the Lower Bhavani canal has not been repaired.
According to N Ezhilan, the MLA for Thousand Lights, the actions of MLAs, whether proactive or sluggish, can significantly impact the election outcome. Many voters are unable to differentiate between the roles of an MP, MLA, and councillor. Therefore, any shortcomings by the MLA may result in voters turning against not only that specific MLA but also the entire party. Renowned political analyst Tharasu Shyam believes that local issues play a crucial role in politics and can influence the outcome of a party in the general election.
In summary, the Lok Sabha elections are seeing a notable shift in focus from national concerns to local issues. The pressure on councillors and MLAs to address these issues and fulfill promises is increasing. The AIADMK has already made lack of development in Coimbatore a core campaign issue, while proactive councillors in Trichy fear the revival of pending promises during campaigning. Local infrastructure issues are gaining momentum in discussions with party leaders. Ultimately, the performance of elected representatives in addressing local issues may ultimately impact the outcome of the general elections.
