SATHUPALLI: Water has an inextricable link with politics and it appears to be more so in the civic polls in Sathupalli.

The town has undergone rapid expansion in the recent years and it resulted in critical shortage of infrastructure. Water pipe lines are yet to be laid in colonies that sprung up in the recent years.

Over Rs. 1 crore was spent to the quench the thirst of the people, but the supply was in the order of 23 lakh litres a day as against the actual requirement of 40 lakh litres.

Applications

In all 500 applications were received for tap connections and only 181 of them could be sanctioned so far.

While water is flowing waste from the taps in the low-lying areas, localities such as Vidyanaar and Ambedkarnagar were in for either partial supply or no supply.

The system is to be strengthened further by extending pipelines for about a 10km-stretch to facilitate supply of fluoride-free water from the Gangaram water scheme.

It all needed a planned approach. Water, sewage and other basic urban services were provided due attention in the 16-month rule of the Congress and the people could see the difference, says the Sathupalli MLA, Jalagam Venkata Rao.

Mood upbeat

For over a fortnight he has been on a door-to-door campaign in the town to ensure the success of all the 20 candidates fielded by the party. The mood is up beat in the camp.

The Telugu Desam Party had pinned high hopes on the Sathupalli.

The party leader and former Minister, Thummala Nageswara Rao has been working overtime in the town.

Padayatra

Accompanied by his supporters, he has been on a regular padayatra covering almost every colony in the town thus canvassing support for his party candidates.

A victory in the town will help redeem the lost prestige of the party, which drew a blank in the last Assembly polls.

Changing loyalties

But a few leaders--N. Vasanta Rao, Udataneni Apparao and Narasimha Rao have shifted their loyalties to the Congress in the town thus adding to the worries of the Telugu Desam.

The Congress and the TDP have been contesting all the 20 wards, while the CPI(M) and CPI, which decided to go on their own, fielded their candidates in six and three wards respectively.

In all 58 candidates are in the fray for the 20 wards in the civic body which has an electorate of 19,250.

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