Wanted: An educated, clean and non-corrupt corporator

Topic of the week: Ahead of the municipal polls on February 16, what is the most important factor in determining whom you vote for?

The upcoming civic elections are very important for Mumbaiites.

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We should remember that most corporators have failed to perform their duties. Hence, voting them again to power should be based on strict scrutiny of their past performance. For instance, I will first check the past performance and integrity of every candidate.

We should also vote for rebels and independent candidates very wisely. These are people, who if elected, will mostly align with the party in majority seeking control over the BMC. — Sudhakar Shenoy

A disciplined, honest sincere candidate: For me the most important factor in determining a candidate is his discipline and sincerity. He has to be honest, non-corrupt, empathetic and faithful to the chair. Unless a candidate is self-disciplined, he will not be able to work towards the well being of the people in his ward. —Prem Menon

None of the parties deserve my vote: Instead of turning India’s financial capital into a world-class city, the civic body has made little progress with the infrastructure. It has only turned monsoon into one of the most dreaded seasons because of the pathetic condition of the roads and constant flooding. I don’t think I should waste my vote on the Congress-NCP alliance either, which is currently holding the reins of the state. On the other hand, for 16 long years India’s richest civic body was in the hands of the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance, and they did little for the city. I am in a dilemma. Nevertheless, I will vote in disgust. — Kannur Rajan

My vote is for an educated contestant: As a concerned Mumbaiite, I will vote for a well-educated and decent candidate. Politicians look at BMC as a loot bank where they can pitch in any Tom, Dick and Harry, and make money once their candidate is elected as a corporator. As an alert citizen we should ensure that such characters are weeded out of the BMC. — Vanita Sehnoy

Keep criminals out of the election race: The most important factor for me is to vote for a candidate with no criminal record. On the other hand, if a candidate has a clean record then it is the duty of the citizens to elect him, irrespective of his or her party affiliation. Unfortunately, such candidates are few and far between. So, citizens have to settle for the least corrupt candidate. —Ketan R Meher

Take active interest, cast your vote: Voters must be conscious of the inefficient and corrupt ruling alliance that has made a mess of the city in the past five years. The need of the hour is to come out in large numbers, exercise our right to vote and elect the right candidates to rule the BMC. — Deendayal Lulla