Marxist Communist Party members staged a protest in front of Coimbatore Corporation office, demanding implementation of underground drainage system, road repairs, and waste collection improvements. The demonstration highlighted urgent civic concerns.
Coimbatore: Members of the Marxist Communist Party (CPI(M)) staged a protest demonstration in front of the Coimbatore Corporation office on Wednesday, raising several civic issues and demanding immediate action from the municipal administration.
The protesters put forth a list of demands, including the immediate implementation of the underground drainage project in Coimbatore city, renovation of roads and stormwater drains throughout the district, cancellation of garbage tax, and ensuring daily door-to-door garbage collection from households.
During the protest, slogans were raised against the Corporation administration. The CPI(M) members, addressing the gathering, accused former minister S.P. Velumani of plundering taxpayers' money during the previous regime. They exclaimed, "Om Kali! Jai Kali! The Corporation treasury is empty!" The protesters also questioned who was currently emptying the Corporation's coffers, asserting that the Marxist party would never allow such mismanagement.
The demonstrators raised concerns about public safety, referring to a recent incident near Singanallur bus stand where three people fell into an open pit. They criticized the authorities, asking, "Will you only close the potholes after someone dies?" This incident had sparked outrage among residents, prompting immediate action from the Corporation to cover the pit.
The protest, which saw participation from over a hundred CPI(M) members, created a tense atmosphere as they sieged the Corporation office. The police intervened and arrested the protesters who were involved in the agitation. The CPI(M) members warned the officials that if swift action is not taken to address their concerns, the protests would intensify.
The demonstration highlighted the growing discontent among citizens regarding various civic issues in Coimbatore, putting pressure on the municipal administration to take immediate and effective measures to improve the city's infrastructure and services.