Panaiyur Residents Voice Frustration Over Political Party Disruptions in Chennai
Living in proximity to influential politicians may not translate to political access, but it certainly comes at the cost of peace and tranquility, according to the residents of Panaiyur. This coastal neighborhood along Chennai's East Coast Road has seen its quiet atmosphere increasingly shattered by the presence of major political figures and their activities.
From Serene Locality to Political Hotspot
What was once a peaceful area on the outskirts of Chennai has transformed into a zone of frequent congestion and barricaded streets. Morning walks are now frequently interrupted by chaotic traffic situations, with residents' vehicles struggling to navigate entrances and exits as police security arrangements appear without prior notice.
Panaiyur has become a significant political hub, housing the headquarters of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) led by actor-politician Vijay, along with residences of PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss, BJP leader K Annamalai, and Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) chief Seeman. This concentration of political power has created unpredictable access to internal roads, depending on which leader is conducting meetings or receiving visitors on any given day.
Growing Resemblance to Poes Garden
Many residents note that Panaiyur is beginning to resemble the famous Poes Garden area, which once housed late chief minister J Jayalalithaa and actor Rajinikanth. The strain became particularly evident recently when scores of TVK cadres descended upon Panaiyur to distribute application forms for upcoming election candidates.
The situation reached a boiling point when TVK supporters' vehicles were parked across the entrances of several homes, prompting residents to stage protests. "The road does not belong to one political party," emphasized Vatsala, a resident of 6th Avenue. Confrontations ensued between residents, TVK cadres, and police officers stationed in the neighborhood.
Residents' Welfare Association Speaks Out
Kalai, vice-president of the local residents' welfare association, clarified their position: "We are not opposed to any political party. However, public roads cannot be arbitrarily taken over for political activities." This sentiment reflects the broader community concern about the erosion of their quality of life.
C P Satyajit, a resident-activist, shared a personal experience of missing a crucial doctor's appointment due to traffic snarls during a recent TVK event on East Coast Road. He raised serious questions about the absence of proper traffic planning and crowd control measures during such political gatherings.
Political Parties Respond to Public Pressure
Sensing the growing public discontent, TVK announced that cadres could download application forms directly from the party website instead of congregating in Panaiyur. TVK joint general secretary Nirmal Kumar revealed that approximately 10,000 application forms had been issued within just 90 minutes during the initial distribution.
Meanwhile, DMDK also commenced issuing application forms on the same day, with general secretary Premallatha Vijayakant indicating that alliance decisions would be announced at a later date. These developments highlight how political activities continue to shape the daily experiences of Panaiyur residents, transforming their once-tranquil neighborhood into a center of political operations with all the accompanying disruptions.
