As the Assembly elections draw near, the pressing question for voters is: Whom should we vote for? The candidate or the party? This choice is crucial and should not be made lightly. While local councillor elections are often focused on the candidates themselves—given their direct involvement in day-to-day issues—Assembly and Parliamentary elections bring the party’s policies and influence into sharper focus. If a candidate belongs to the ruling party and has proven capabilities, there’s a greater chance of getting local works completed efficiently. However, the individual candidate’s performance cannot be ignored. A competent sitting MLA who has worked diligently and addressed local issues deserves another term. Assessing the Past Five Years Before casting our votes, it’s essential to evaluate the promises made and delivered over the past five years. Ask yourself these questions: • Are the roads in our area well-maintained? • Have encroachments been tackled? • Is the garbage management system effective? • Are streetlights functional? • Is there a solution to water shortages and sewage issues? • Has horticulture and environmental upkeep been prioritized? • What about markets, parking, and electricity infrastructure?
If the current representative has fulfilled these promises, they deserve our vote. If not, it’s time to elect someone new but with clear expectations.
Residents’ Concerns: A Local Perspective For the residents of Safdarjung and surrounding areas, unresolved issues are glaring. Despite consistent complaints, several problems remain:
1. Pathetic Road Conditions: Many roads haven’t been recarpeted in years, making travel a nightmare.
2. Rajinder Dhaba Market Chaos: Hygiene issues, garbage heaps, and parking problems plague this market, with little intervention.
3. Encroachments and Showroom Proliferation: Car showrooms in A2 and B1 blocks have made daily life unbearable. Massive encroachments, dust, and dangling electricity wires remain unchecked.
4. Defunct Infrastructure: Electricity poles are outdated, central verges lack proper pruning, and nallahs like the A1-A2 drain are breeding grounds for mosquitoes and foul smells. 5. Short-Lived Road Repairs: Roads that are resurfaced begin deteriorating within weeks, raising concerns over the misuse of taxpayer money. These long-standing problems demand attention and resolution.
A Charter of Demands This election, the public must take proactive steps to ensure their voices are heard. A list of key local issue should be presented to all contesting candidates. They must commit to addressing these problems within a specified timeframe.
The Way Forward -Elections come and go, but unresolved issues remain. It is up to us, as voters to hold candidates accountable for promises made. Safdarjung and neighboring areas deserve clean roads, organized markets, proper garbage management, and functioning infrastructure. This time, let’s vote not just for a party or candidate, but for real solutions and visible change. Remember: Your vote has power. Use it wisely.
