13 April,2014 08:23 AM IST | | Chetna Sadadekar
Residents of St Catherine’s chawl, affected most by last month's building collapse, claim that no political party has come to their rescue
This year's elections mean little for the residents of St Catherine's chawl at Vakola, Santacruz East. After losing their homes post the Shankar Lok collapse on March 14, and with no help at hand, the residents have decided to boycott the upcoming polls.
The chawl being rebuilt at Vakola.Pics/Nimesh Dave
A month on, residents rented two offices in surrounding buildings to live in. Some reside at relatives' homes. A private developer has promised to resurrect their chawl.
The 21 affected families claim that no government body had stepped in or paid for alternative accommodation. Milind Khandare, a resident of the chawl, said, "We registered an FIR at the police station but the police did not act on it. We will not vote this year. Neither the ruling party, nor the opposition has helped us out. In case some of us do vote, we will exercise the None of The Above (NOTA) option."
Ex-corporator, Sanjay Potnis, claimed, "The chawl is being rebuilt and the work will take a few weeks. I have supported the residents."
