Chennai: Living next to politicians may not guarantee access to power, but it can certainly cost your peace, say residents of Panaiyur. People of the coastal neighbourhood along Chennai’s East Coast Road say their quiet lives are increasingly disrupted by the presence of political heavyweights.What was once a serene locality on the city outskirts now sees frequently crowded streets and barricaded roads. Morning walks are interrupted by a maze of vehicles: cars of residents struggle to enter and exit homes, as police bandobusts appear without notice. Panaiyur houses the headquarters of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor-politician Vijay, besides the residences of PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss, BJP leader K Annamalai and Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) chief Seeman. Residents said access to internal roads has become uncertain, depending on which leader is hosting a meeting or receiving visitors on that day. Many residents say Panaiyur is beginning to resemble Poes Garden, once home to the late chief minister J Jayalalithaa and actor Rajinikanth. Strain was felt on Friday when scores of TVK cadres reached Panaiyur to receive applications to contest in the upcoming elections. Residents stepped out to protest after cars of TVK cadres were parked across the entrances of several houses. “The road does not belong to one party,” said Vatsala, a resident of 6th Avenue. Some residents argued with the TVK cadres and police officers stationed in the neighbourhood. Kalai, vice-president of the local residents’ welfare association, said, “We are not against any party. But public roads cannot be taken over,” he said. C P Satyajit, a resident-activist, said he missed a doctor’s appointment due to traffic snarls during a recent TVK event on ECR. He questioned the absence of traffic planning and crowd control. Sensing public anger, TVK announced that cadres could download application forms from the party website. TVK joint general secretary Nirmal Kumar said about 10,000 application forms were issued within 90 minutes. Meanwhile, DMDK also began issuing application forms on Friday. General secretary Premallatha Vijayakant said alliance decisions would be announced later.
