Taps running dry in your building? Waterlogging outside the society gates? For the first time, residents of Bengaluru gated communities may have a chance to solve these nagging issues through the time-honoured route of the Indian democracy.

As Legislative Assembly Elections approach, gated communities have emerged as an important vote bank. Apartment bodies and residents must take this valuable opportunity to demand change. They have the chance to air and resolve key concerns plaguing gated communities. These range from the general development of the constituency to the state of water supply. Here’s a close look at what’s happening on the ground.

Why it matters?

Assembly polls are an important occasion for every Indian. It is both our duty and right to cast our vote. State elections also often have a direct impact on our life. The candidates we choose will be responsible for the development of our constituency. The issue concerning apartment bodies ranges from general infrastructure to land ownership. These include:

• Khata transfer
• Land rights in gated communities
• Establishing a dedicated authoritative body
• Land title transfer
• Effective implementation Acts like RERA and Sakala 
• Transfer of common areas to the apartment associations
• Severe scarcity of water
• Safeguard depositors

Campaign hotspot

This is not the first time political parties have targeted apartments. In 2014, politicos went all out to woo residents of gated communities with door-to-door campaigning. Parties also arranged for registering voters, ensuring every eligible resident had a valid voter card.

In 2017, it wasn’t just the political parties that realised the value of the democratic process. The Bangalore Apartments’ Federation (BAF), spearheaded the Vote Maadi campaign. It targeted 400 apartment associations with 50,000 flats. The campaign urged residents to flex their voting power in order to get their voices heard.

Unfortunately, the urban dwellers of high-rise residential complexes were still perceived to be fairly unimportant. This perception comes from a relatively low turnout in urban areas. In addition, many residents often travel out of town, furthering this perception. 

A growing vote bank

The scenario may be about to change this time. Gated communities account for 17-20% of the electorate in 28 of the assembly seats in Bengaluru. This amounts to almost 20 lakh people. Moreover, this demography is also growing as more housing developments come up.

Parties across the political spectrum are fast realising the potential of this growing vote bank. Congress has set up an exclusive apartment cell, headed by a Rajya Sabha member. Similarly, BJP has a Resident Welfare Association (RWA) cell. 

There is also renewed energy in turning this momentum into benefits on the ground. The BAF is organising  ‘All Party Town Hall’ with cross-representation from various political parties. Karnataka Home Buyers Forum has submitted a list of 14 demands to political parties ahead of the polls. The Bangalore City Flat Owners Welfare Association is similarly taking an active part in talking to different parties. 

Making it work with ApnaComplex 

ApnaComplex can play a vital role in bringing together residents. Here are just some ways to leverage the platform to raise awareness:

• Form forums to discuss pressing issues 
• Inform people about important dates, including Townhalls or poll dates
• Know your candidates by sharing the profiles
• Post notices and reminders urging people to vote

Learn more about our communication tools, get in touch with us at support@apnacomplex or call 80886 11229. Our team will help you understand the various features you can use to connect with the residents in your community.