SAMBALPUR: People in this back-of-beyond village are a disillusioned lot with elections. Promises by candidates were a dime a dozen in the run-up to polls, but none was redeemed once the process was over, said inhabitants of Nirgunpada village under Godmunda GP on the outskirts of Sambalpur.
With election after election failing to change the face of the village and the poor condition of people, they have decided to give panchayat polls a miss this time.
‘’Why should I vote? Can it change my life anyway? I still have to toil for 10 hours a day to sustain my family and will perish one day just like my father who left nothing behind for us. My father had exercised his franchise and so did I. But it hardly made any difference,’’ said Ramlal Oram of the village sounding cynical.
Leaders visit the village every election and promise the moon, but once the poll is over, they are nowhere to be seen, Ramlal said. He is aware that the Government has launched numerous schemes for the welfare of the people, but the benefits elude them due to indifference of elected representatives.
He manages to earn ` 120-a-day as labourer while his son Uttam (15) contributes to the family income by working as a beedi roller after dropping out of the school.
Besides, Ramlal owns half an acre and his wife Astami raises crops on that which add to the family income. He has decided not to vote along with his wife this time around.