LIVE TV
Odisha
Photo: OTV
Recommended Stories
Migrants from Ganjam district working in Surat remembered at the time of every election in Odisha.
This impending Panchayat Poll is no different.
Three years after the general election, the villages in Ganjam district have once again gone into election frenzy. Amidst these activities, another common scene of hundreds of Ganjam residents living in Surat returning to their villages can be seen on any day these days.
These people are being invited by the candidates in the fray. Those who are yet to come have been contacted by the candidates through WhatsApp or video calling. “The candidates are making calls to the villagers working in other states. They are asking them to return to their respective villages so that they can ensure the formers’ victory. They are even providing them with fares of both ways. But we have come on our own. We will vote those who, instead of lip service, can do something for us,” said Rabindra Kumar Sahu, a resident of Aska.
Nirakar Sahu, brother of a Sarpanch candidate, said he had already booked railway tickets so that the outstation villagers can come and participate in the election scheduled on February 16.
As of now, Saru village under Hinjilicut block has gained importance. Around 90 per cent of this village’s population is earning their livelihood in other states. While some are in living in Surat, some others are in Chennai and, yet, some others are working in Maharashtra. As they have not returned to their village as yet, candidates and their relatives have been contacting them on their mobile numbers, requesting them to return soon.
Like Saru village, D.Nuapalli village under Khalikote Block is enjoying the same importance these days. There are around 300 voters in this village. While a majority of them are working in other states, those who stayed back are struggling hard to make ends meet as they don’t have permanent source of earning. These villagers alleged the leaders would visit them before elections, giving assurances to them. After the election, they would make themselves scarce.
This is why the villagers said that coming from their respective workplaces to cast their votes hardly make any difference to them.
When asked why many villagers did not return as yet, a resident of Saru village, Damodar Panda, said there was no reason for them to return while losing their wages.
“We urge the government to create job opportunities in our locality. If we have jobs in our area, why should we go to other states searching for livelihood,” asked Brundaban Das, a resident of D Nuapalli village.
These outstation people always play significant role in ensuring a candidate’s win, be it the general or Panchayat elections. It is to be seen what would be these villagers’ stand this Panchayat election.
