Sonbhadra, a district in Uttar Pradesh known for its industrial might, is home to six thermal power plants, three cement factories, one aluminium factory, 313 stone crushers and numerous chemical factories. Despite this, it remains one of the most impoverished regions in the state. This stark contrast between industrial success and persistent poverty highlights a glaring disparity. For its residents, elections are just another event, which they believe will not change their lives.
“We vote with the hope that elections will bring change to our lives. Governments change in Delhi, but we remain where we were 10 years ago,” says Dilip Gond, a tribal resident, encapsulating the frustration felt by many.
As you enter Sonbhadra, the second-largest district in Uttar Pradesh, the bustling activity of trucks is striking. The district’s landscape, a unique blend of plains, valleys, plateaus and hills, comes alive during the monsoon, transforming into a lush green haven with cascading waterfalls.
The southern region of Sonbhadra, known as the ‘Energy Capital of India’, houses numerous power stations around Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar. NTPC, a leading power generation company, operates three coal-based thermal power plants here. However, the industrial activities have taken a toll on the environment, with significant air and noise pollution. The district’s strategic location, bordered by Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, underscores its logistical importance.
Despite these industrial advancements, many local communities, especially the tribals living in kutcha houses on sparsely populated hillocks, continue to lead minimalistic lives. “Even as Sonbhadra amasses wealth from its industrialisation – drawing investments from Japan, the US, and the UK – it remains one of UP’s most backward districts,” says Arvind Shakya, a local activist.
Shakya notes that over 2,00,000 to 3,00,000 people have migrated out of Sonbhadra to work as labourers at construction sites despite the presence of numerous industries. “These industries cannot provide them jobs because they are illiterate,” he explains.
“Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s parliamentary constituency, is just a three-hour drive from Robertsganj, the district headquarters of Sonbhadra, but the difference is immense, not only economically but also socially and geographically,” Shakya adds.
Narendra Gond, a tribal from Rasuda village, expresses frustration with the election process. “Politicians enjoy privileges, but nothing changes for us,” he says.
This sentiment of disillusionment is growing louder as Sonbhadra’s Robertsganj parliamentary constituency gears up for a fiercely contested election. The constituency covers four assembly segments within Sonbhadra and one in the neighboring Chandauli district. Tribals constitute a significant portion of the electorate, accounting for 34 per cent of Uttar Pradesh’s Scheduled Tribe (ST) population, with Gonds and Kharwars being the dominant groups.
On June 1, the constituency will witness a high-stakes battle between Rinki Singh Kol of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s ally Apna Dal (Sonelal) and Chhote Lal Kharwar of the Samajwadi Party. Rinki Singh Kol, who has a strong community connection, is up against Kharwar, a former Member of Parliament and popular folk singer with a dedicated voter base. The Bahujan Samaj Party has also fielded a candidate, though their impact is expected to be limited.
The political landscape is further complicated by issues of unemployment, inadequate infrastructure and environmental degradation. Despite Sonbhadra’s significant contribution to India’s power grid, many villages remain without electricity or cellular service. Industries in the region offer limited job opportunities to local youth, exacerbating the unemployment crisis.
Locals like Manik Patel and Shalik Mohan express dissatisfaction with the current leadership, citing unfulfilled promises and deteriorating public infrastructure. However, there remains a faction confident in the BJP’s ability to bring stability and development.
As the day of election approaches, both major parties are pulling out all stops. BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have rallied in support of Rinki Singh Kol. Meanwhile, SP leaders, confident of their grassroots support, believe that Chhote Lal Kharwar’s local appeal and active campaigning will secure a victory.
The upcoming election in Robertsganj is not just a political contest but a reflection of the broader challenges and aspirations of Sonbhadra’s residents. As they cast their votes, the people of Sonbhadra are not only choosing their next representative but also voicing their demand for real change and development in their district.
