The Tamil Nadu Alliance of Resident Welfare Associations (T.N. AORWA) has urged Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to avoid conducting local body elections in the State and strengthen direct administrative governance for efficient public administration.In a representation submitted to the Chief Minister, the federation said elections to Corporations, Municipalities, Town Panchayats, and Panchayat Unions were traditionally conducted within six months after Assembly elections.However, it said the present situation required re-consideration in the larger public interest.The federation alleged that during the previous regime, several local body representatives were corrupt, and misuse of power was their primary objective. It claimed that RWAs and social activists who raised civic issues and public grievances faced intimidation, threats, and interference. According to the federation, government officials were also prevented from functioning independently because of political pressure and interference from local representatives. It said such practices weakened local administration and created fear among the public.The T.N. AORWA said people had placed their trust in the present TVK government, expecting transparent and corruption-free regime. It expressed apprehension that the existing system could lead to a continuation of corruption and misuse of authority if local body elections were conducted again.The federation also referred to former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa postponing local body elections in 2016 citing governance and public welfare concerns. Published - May 24, 2026 11:44 pm IST