Political pundits may write volumes on political ideologies and people’s inclination towards a particular Lok Sabha candidate on issues of national and international issues. However, when it comes to using their universal adult franchise, the people of Khunti constituency seem to be totally focussed on development in their area.
Defying the scorching Sun, large number of people came out to exercise their franchise here on Monday. Although, there was huge rush in the polling booths in the morning, people kept coming to the booths whole day with many places there were long queues of voters even after 4 PM.
However, when asked as to which issues they wish to be addressed by their prospective MP, most of the voters said that they want fruits of development schemes reach their villages. They said that the area, despite being birthplace of great revolutionaries like Birsa Munda, has remained neglected since decades and it is high time that people’s representatives take up the demands of the people.
“We have seen several governments in past 60 years. The problems of the area remain the same. There is no water for irrigation, situation of drinking water in many villages of the constituency is pathetic, education and health facilities have not improved much. Also, there is large-scale migration and human trafficking from the area,” said Sahodara Devi (60), a resident of Tapkara village in Khunti.
The lady, who had worked for several years as a domestic help in the National Capital, is now struggling hard to find occupation for her sons. “My eldest son has migrated out of State much before. He is still unmarried and is unable to find work here. My youngest son has become an alcoholic. They did not get opportunities to study well. Now, I want them to get settled in life but there were no opportunities. Whoever makes the government, I just want them to find employment for youths. This will solve half of our problems,” she added.
Tijan Devi (41), mother of six children and wife of an alcoholic man, appeared worried when asked about her children’s future. “Government has not done much for us, but we still have hopes that choosing a better representative would help us in some way or the other. In last few years we have seen some change in the situation of the village and nearby areas. Hope the good works of the government will continue and my kids will get education, health facilities and better work opportunities,” she said.
20-year-old Deepak Baitha, who was voting for the first time in a Lok Sabha election at Lodhma in Khunti constituency, said that his vote was purely based on development issue.
“No candidate matters for us. Only the government, which will provide jobs to youth, skill to women, water to farmers and business opportunities to the small traders will get votes from us. The youth of the country is not silent anymore. They can make or break governments,” said Baitha.