The President of the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Coimbatore (ICCIC) D Nandakumar has lamented the “step-motherly treatment” meted out to Coimbatore by the successive governments in the State and at the Centre and has called upon the Assembly poll candidates of eight political parties to make their stand clear on the issue.

Despite being the second largest city in Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore has not received the attention it deserves, he said. The region contributes more than ₹10,000 crore to the exchequer by way of direct and indirect taxes, Nandakumar added.

Interactive meet A meeting was organised by ICCIC and each contestant in the fray was given seven minutes to respond. The candidates were given copies of a booklet titled ‘What Kovai City Wants – 10 smart solutions for this future smart city’. The booklet was prepared in consultation with the trade and industrial associations and NGOs of Coimbatore.

“Despite being counted as one of the fastest growing top 20 centres of India, Coimbatore has remained neglected for many years. Many States have developed tier II cities other than its capital to spread development such as Kochi and Kozhikode in Kerala , Mysuru and Mangaluru in Karanataka, Pune and Nagur in Maharashtra and so on. In TN, no city other than Chennai got its due in infrastructure development,” said CR Swaminathan, President, Residents Awareness Association of Coimbatore (RAAC).

He added that other than half a dozen rail overbridges, no new road, rail or infrastructure projects were implemented over the last three decades.

Key demands Roads topped in priority in terms of widening, linkage, truck terminal and subways, establishment of a composite bus-stand on the outskirts, review of the City's Master Plan taking the present and future needs into consideration, implementation of Pilloor Phase III water supply scheme, rapid transport system, restoration of Noyyal and rejuvenation of streams, promoting sports, heritage sites and tourism around this region, strengthening industrial infrastructure and mostly importantly early implementation of airport expansion.

Candidates’ response BJP candidate for Coimbatore South Vanathi Srinivasan said she had incorporated all the demands in her manifesto. “I am here right after the release. The Centre has taken cognisance of the city's growth and awarded several projects. My vision is in taking this region to greater heights,” she said.

CPI (M) candidate C Padmanabhan said he would focus on improving basic amenities such as toilets, health and hygiene.

Mayura S Jayakumar of Congress said he would strive to improve the business climate in the region, while the AIADMK candidate Amman Arjunan claimed that the ruling party had improved the power situation and strengthened the infrastructure.

DMK candidate N Karthik said he would help resolve the issues faced by the MSMEs, while MDMK candidate Anjunraj said he will work for a single window system.

PMK candidate Ashok Jayendar said he would strive to make the city “smart” in the real sense.

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