“I will always be accessible to you”- that was the consistent theme from M Chandrappa, the Congress Candidate from Ward 151 when he met with residents from Koramangala 3rd Block on 14th August at the 3rd Block library hall.
Chandrappa said that unlike earlier corporators, he would be approachable and would promptly come to the spot in case of any problems faced by residents. To prove his bonafides, he announced his mobile number from the microphone and asked all present to note it down and telephone him directly for any assistance.
Solving the garbage problem, water supply issues, civic works and development of parks and playgrounds were the top priorities for the ward, according to Chandrappa.
Residents had a number of points and questions to make and Chandrappa made several commitments in response to the issues raised.
One resident asked for a commitment on transparency and inclusiveness — Chandrappa was asked whether he would commit to the following steps:
l Publish a list of all works being taken up in the Ward on a notice board in the Ward office wth budgets and time deadlines
l Commit to an inclusive Ward Committee, by agreeing to consult RWAs and ensuring that RWAs nominate members to the Ward committee.
l Prioritize work according to the priorities of the residents to ensure that budgets are spent on important civic projects of value to the residents.
Several other residents also spoke in support of the above agenda and requested Chandrappa to give an assurance to this effect. With respect to the Ward Committees, many pointed out that the previous ward committee set up by the outgoing corporator had zero representation from 1st, 2nd and 3rd Block Koramangala thereby leaving half the ward unrepresented. Many in the block were quite unhappy with the way the previous corporator had neglected the block.
Chandrappa gave an immediate assurance that 3rd Block would be represented on the Ward Committee and the RWA would pick the representative.
Many other issues were raised. The issue of Commercialisation was discussed and an assurance sought from the candidate that if elected he would back Koramangala 3rd Block RWAs stand on commercialization. Chandrappa assured residents that he would back their right to live in peace and quiet and would join them in opposing illegal ccommercial establishments.
The issue of traffic diverting through the block was also raised. Other problems that residents brought up included the mosquito menace, lack of adequate infrastructure in the form of footpaths and road quality, water supply woes and a lack of coordination among the various civic agencies — BBMP, BWSSB and BESCOM.
Chandrappa heard the residents’ grievances and promised that if elected, he would be accessible and available to all residents. “I am not responsible for the errors of the previous corporator — but I will promise to represent you” was his assurance to the residents.
The audience was perhaps not as docile as Chandrappa expected but residents were happy that the candidate took the time and effort to respond to the issues raised.
Koramangala 3rd Block has over the years provided a platform for candidates seeking election to meet the voters in the block and discuss various issues. In 2013, various candidates seeking election to the Karnataka Legislative Assembly were invited to address residents and last year, leading candidates for the Bangalore South Lok Sabha seat also addressed residents.
The meeting ended with an appeal from the President and Secretary of the Association to residents to exercise their franchise in the elections scheduled on 22nd August 2015 and strengthen the RWA’s hands in its future efforts.