Elections are the best time for citizens to demand the changes they want to see in their neighbourhoods, and residents of Bengaluru are doing just that. Many residents welfare associations (RWAs) are in the process of preparing a citizens’ charter, which will be handed over to every candidate who comes seeking their votes.
I Change Indiranagar (ICIN), for instance, has planned a workshop on March 24 to prepare a list of demands that will be given to all candidates. “This is the best time to put the challenges faced by us in front of every candidate, hear their positions and get their commitment before the elections,” said Sneha Nandihal of ICIN.
Some of the main demands will be a stop to commercialisation of residential areas, construction of footpaths, shutting pubs/bars abutting residences and protection of public spaces. “Around eight RWAs will be putting forth their demands, which we will collate into a single charter. We will meet every candidate in our constituency and hand over the charter,” she said.
After creating a list of demands for the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike elections in 2015, members of Whitefield Rising (WR) are preparing one for the Assembly election for Mahadevapura constituency, which comprises eight wards. “The charter we created for the 2015 elections gave councillors an insight into what residents want. We are hopeful that this time too, the charter will ensure MLA candidates work on what citizens want for the constituency,” said Anjali Saini, member of Whitefield Rising.
The group will be working with other neighbourhood associations and ward committees to create a list of demands, such as earmarking public space, waste management and ensuring last-mile connectivity.
Even before candidates are finalised, members of Jayanagar RWA have started writing letters to the leaders of political parties with their list of demands. “While we have highlighted local issues, such as the need for parking lots in Jayanagar, we are also demanding action on larger issues, such as lake encroachment and land grabbing,” said N. Mukund, member of the association.
In Malleswaram, lack of footpaths and the need to create more public space are some of the key demands, said Gopal Rao, president of the Malleswaram RWA.
Sashikala Polisetty, member of Shantinagar RWA, said they are in the process of drafting a charter. “Water supply is the biggest issue for us. The other issues are solutions to traffic problems, ensuring better law and order, addressing the rampant commercialisation of Santhinagar and encroachment of footpaths,” she said.
A few associations feel that citizens' charter may not be enough and are organising meetings with party representatives. RWAs in Koramangala, for instance, plan to meet each candidate. “Direct conversation between citizens and candidates works better than handing over a list of demands. Citizens get an opportunity to put forth their issues and the interaction also acts as a platform for candidates to reach out to people,” said Nitin Sheshadri of Koramangla 3rd Block RWA.
