Madurai's Theerthakadu Residents to Boycott Assembly Elections Over Decades of Neglect
In the settlement of Theerthakadu near Vandiyur, Madurai, the life of 75-year-old visually impaired resident Mariyappan Samivel mirrors that of thousands of others who have endured decades without electricity, water, or proper roads. Now, more than 500 families, predominantly from the Adi Dravidar community, have declared they will boycott the upcoming assembly election, citing a denial of basic rights that has persisted for over 40 years.
Decades of Struggle and Systemic Discrimination
Thanga Pandian, a resident, revealed that the community plans to march to Chennai to return 68 e-pattas (land documents) received from Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. "In spite of our petitions and grievances, we have been living in these conditions for over 40 years," he said. "Our education and health have suffered, and the community is trapped in poverty and discrimination." The area, spread across 9.5 acres in Ward 38 under the Madurai East assembly constituency represented by Commercial Taxes Minister P Moorthy, holds nearly 3,000 votes.
Historical Context and Legal Battles
Meneka M, who provides tuition for children, explained that the land was allotted to homeless Adi Dravidars in 1979. However, decades of encroachments and prolonged litigation, which even reached the Supreme Court, have prevented any development work or basic amenities from materializing. "The minister never visited us to listen to our grievances. But when there is a kabaddi match or personal function nearby, he has the time to attend it," Thanga Pandian added, highlighting the perceived indifference of local authorities.
Daily Hardships and Health Risks
The lack of infrastructure has led to severe health and safety issues. Mariyappan Samivel lost his toes after a snake bite, as the area is infested with invasive seemai karuvelam trees. Prakash M, another resident, described the constant fear: "We live in darkness, not knowing what is coming in front of us or how to dodge snakes." Tamilarasi V, a Class XII student at EVR Nagamayar Corporation Girls High School, studies by candlelight and aspires to join Govt Law College Madurai to bring change to her community.
Humiliation and Financial Burden
Homemaker Pandi Selvi shared the daily indignities: "We have to pay to fill water from nearby streets. We need to request shops to charge our phones; it is humiliating." These challenges underscore the broader economic and social exclusion faced by the residents.
Official Responses and Temporary Measures
DMK councillor T Kathiravan acknowledged the issue as decades-old and claimed temporary lights would be arranged by drawing power from nearby electric poles. However, Meneka M countered: "We don't need any temporary fixes but a permanent solution. If we do not matter, then our votes too must not matter." Corporation Commissioner Chitra Vijayan stated that the land is classified as water course poramboke, requiring the revenue department to demarcate road areas before infrastructure works can proceed.
Promises of Action
District Collector K J Praveen Kumar said he will look into the matter, while Deputy Mayor T Nagarajan, acting as mayor, promised discussions in the coming days. Despite these assurances, residents remain skeptical, fueled by years of unfulfilled promises and ongoing neglect.
The boycott announcement serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for inclusive development and accountability in addressing long-standing grievances of marginalized communities.
