MC work takes back-seat, it8217;s poll time

This 29-member House has 15 members of the ruling BJP-SAD combine, five of Congress and nine nominated councillors.

With the appointment of the Municipal Commissioner as observer for the Tamil Nadu poll and some senior officers assigned election duties, the effects were evident in each department. The problem can be gauged from the fact that in each department senior officers are now busy clearing the backlog caused due to the elections. Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior official admitted the problem and said he was unable to clear 8212; an important file in August, but denied any adverse effect of the election on maintenance of civic amenities such as roads, streetlights and water supply. quot;Garbage disposal was carried out as usual,quot; said another senior official.

From the beginning of the election process, employees remained absent from work. Those present were reluctant to listen to those who came with their complaints or problems, said a visibly disappointed phari-owner. He told Newsline on Thursday, when campaigning was drawing to a close: quot;This is my fourth visit to get my confiscated articles back. I am shocked to find almost all departments empty.quot; He further said that frequent elections had ruined the country8217;s economy 8230; not to mention his own.