CHENNAI: Many first-time councillors, particularly women who entered local bodies through the 50% reservation, have carved out pockets of goodwill that could aid parties in the Assembly polls.VCK councillor B Yazhini has facilitated English classes in GCC schools by roping in NGOs, while a councillor in Alandur has organised free computer training. In Thiruvanmiyur, councillor Kayalvizhi has regularly held weekly area sabhas, strengthening civic engagement.In RK Nagar, CPI councillor M Renuka led large-scale protests to shut a Tasmac outlet and launched anti-drug campaigns in resettlement colonies, including setting up a gym inside a slum board settlement. “My ward has 35,000 votes, one of the largest in RK Nagar. The good civic work will definitely translate to the alliance partner. We will recall all of these at the grassroots during the campaign,” she said.Health minister Ma Subramanian said Saidapet constituency, with seven wards, — comprising two zonal chairmen, the deputy mayor, three DMK councillors and one AIADMK councillor — has seen extensive civic work. “Local councillors have used ward funds to build key amenities. Zonal chairmen too have funded drains, gyms, sports turfs and ration shops. This will elevate party’s campaign performance,” he said.Echoing this, B Yazhini from Ashok Nagar said initiatives such as free food distribution and NGO-led English classes have generated goodwill. DMK councillor Kavi Ganesan has also been running regular free food drives, benefiting more than 3,000 residents.RK Nagar MLA J J Ebenzer said: “In some pockets, we have success stories, and in others, unaddressed issues. If something can be fixed immediately, party workers are stepping in.”
