Roads to decide fate of Chalappuram

KOZHIKODE: Chalappuram ward in Kozhikode Corporation looks like a dug up paddy field. The roads have more slush and mud than tar and both LDF and UDF accuse each other of doing nothing to improve them.

When UDF decided to field young Turk P. M. Niyas to retain the ward currently held by their woman leader M. T. Padma, the LDF is trying to play the local boy card fielding an independent, Padiyeri Gopalakrishnan, to wrest the seat.

The ward has enough mud for them to sling at each other and development is the main slogan of both fronts to win over voters. Mr Niyas, well known for his cunningness to outsmart opponents, both in the party and outside, is highlighting the plight of the ward while approaching voters.

“Roads, drainage and street lights are the three top issues residents want to address. LDF ruled the corporation for so long but could not do anything to better the living conditions here. Though we had a Congress councilor last time, the ruling front took away major funds and refused to address the issues raised by our councilor here,” Mr Niyas told Deccan Chronicle on the sidelines of his campaigning at Chalappuram.

Mr Gopalakrishnan was quick to counter. He says Ms Padma did not even reside in the ward and the voters had to travel to her house to address their issues.

“Ms Padma is not a resident here and she actually did not know what was going on in her ward. The roads are bad due to the failure of the state government to carry out the Francis Road-Pantheerankavu Road widening,” he said.

Both the leaders admit that the fight at Chalappuram is neck-and-neck. UDF had a majority of 1,000 votes last time. LDF feels the BJP’s claims of doubling their vote share here will help them win.