Representatives must heed residents’ concerns

Eknath Shinde

Juhu residents have handed a charter of demands to a Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) candidate contesting the Lok Sabha election from the Mumbai North West constituency. In the run-up to polling day, May 20, the group crafted an eight-point charter, expecting responses from the two prominent politicians in the fray.

The residents are adamant about receiving tangible solutions to the issues outlined in their submission or, at the very least, a clear timeline for addressing their demands, a report stated in this paper.

The residents advocated for the completion of the ongoing Irla nullah pilot project, which commenced in 2015 and involves the construction of a walking and cycling track along the water body. They also urged candidates to introduce new projects within the plan to enhance walkability and connect open spaces across Juhu.

Protection of open spaces in Juhu, as well as the identification of planned hawking zones, are other urgent matters highlighted by the residents. The general election is always said is about national issues, but this no longer holds true. Through the city, we see citizens raising on-the-ground problems that touch their lives on a daily basis. When we talk about telling ordinary people that they should go out to vote, should people's representatives also not be at hand to meet them? Or, take cognisance of grievances and problems? Manifestos by different units across Mumbai have commonalities. Building footpaths for pedestrians, lowering the petty crime rate, setting up lights, improving sanitation and the water supply, and redevelopment are some of the issues people want leaders to pay attention to, and that is the reason why they are found in manifestos everywhere.

It is responsive, responsible leaders that get people to the booths too. They must heed these manifestos; they are not just idle wishes.