On the occasion of 'World Pakhala Dibasa' on Sunday, the residents of Bhubaneswar were seen relishing the main course with an array of mouth watering side dishes at star hotels, restaurants and road side eateries.
One commonality among the connoisseurs of the Odia delicacy was that their discussions largely centered around the issues facing their respected Wards and their choice of candidates for the upcoming BMC polls.
About his choice of Mayor and corporator candidates, a Pakhala lover said people shouldn’t go for any political party. They should instead choose the candidates who would stand by them through their thick and thin and who can be accessed at any time.
Another city dweller while gulping down a handful of watered-rice described his choice of candidate. “I will vote those for Mayor and corportaor posts who would take up developmental activities in my Ward and can be easily accessed.
Two Pakhala lovers shared a common thought. They said, “A corporator should be like the one who takes steps to solve the issues in the Ward on his own, without waiting for his people to come and complaint.”
While savoring fish fry, a city dweller said people like him would vote for those candidates who can realise their problems and take steps accordingly.
“In Bhubaneswar, the water logging problem is a recurring feature during rainy season. Every election, leaders come to us begging for votes, promising us with steps to solve the water logging problem. But nothing visible has been done so far in this regard,” rued another Pakhala lover.