Councillors urge Coimbatore Corporation to complete road, drainage works before elections

Councillors in Coimbatore urge swift completion of road and drainage works ahead of elections amid rising public complaints.

Councillors at Coimbatore Corporation, at an urgent council meeting on Thursday, pressed officials to expedite pending road restoration and drainage works, citing delays in several wards and rising complaints from the public.

Mayor K. Ranganayaki presided over the meeting in the presence of Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran at Victoria Town Hall.

Leading the demand, East Zone chairman Ilakkumi Izhamselvi Karthik said many roads remain in poor condition and several assigned contractors have yet to begin work. She added, “Political parties reach out to the public during elections to seek votes.” Other councillors joined her in voicing similar concerns.

The Mayor then directed officials to complete all pending works as soon as possible.

At the start of the meeting, AIADMK floor leader R. Prabhakaran, along with councillors C. Sharmila and D. Ramesh, staged a walkout, disrupting proceedings. Speaking to reporters, Mr. Prabhakaran alleged that several proposals presented by the Corporation were designed to benefit contractors rather than the public. He claimed that costly works were being pushed through for commission and that some roads were being painted instead of properly repaired.

Mr. Prabhakaran also criticised the ruling party councillors, saying they portray large-scale work in public while ignoring real issues, and accused Congress and Communist Party councillors of remaining silent on people’s grievances. He said such urgent meetings are being called to pass proposals immediately without debate, which would otherwise be raised in regular sessions.