The Heart Has Its Reasons

KHARAGPUR:The Bombay Road, NH 6, connecting central and western districts of West Bengal, shows no sign of elections when starting from Kolkata. Red banners advertise cellular services rather than proclaim political affiliations. But as you reach Kolaghat, in East Midnapore, you see a few limp party flags. Here, polling is to be held on May 5. At a dhaba, the owner says people here don’t flaunt their political leanings. “We don’t try to force anyone,” says the 30-something-year-old. “There’s been no goondagiri, not by the earlier CPM or the current TMC.” But he’s not too pleased with the work of either. “We have better roads now but little else. No new schools or hospitals. Even jobs are from power and cement companies from CPM’s time.” Yet, he never fails to vote. Why? He can’t explain, except make a vague gesture towards his heart. “Teek nahi lagta hain (not voting)