Elections are no more meant to elect representatives who are of the people, for the people and by the people. It is now a game of muscle and power, where the common man is a mere puppet acting as per the whims and fancies of the influential ones. This is the opinion held by a number of residents of Doraha, especially those who are completely disillusioned by the way the candidates change colours as soon as they assume power. So, they have decided to keep themselves aloof from all poll ‘shor’.
There was a time when this very discontented lot had shown keen interest in electing their representatives, but not anymore. The category mainly comprises the elderly for whom what the candidates say holds no importance.
President of the Government Pensioners Association of Doraha Pawan Kumar Kaushal expressed, “Why should we vote after all? The reason for my disgust is that it has been years together that we have been demanding basic amenities, but no one has ever tried to lend an ear. Regular meetings of MCPI(U), All-India Kisan Federation, Powercom Employees Union, United Front of Trade unions, Government Pensioners Association, etc. are held in the state office situated in ward no.14. For years, members of these bodies are welcomed by stagnant sewage collected in front of its gate.”
“Also, the 40-year-old problem of scant medical facilities for Doraha town is far from being resolved. Residents had pinned hopes on the newly built Civil Hospital, but the building is awaiting inauguration even after more than three years of its completion. Despite the approval to 51 posts for the 30-bed community health centre, residents still await regular and earnest medical care. With such a sorry state of affairs, the MLA is promising a medical college in the town in his poll propaganda,” added a senior citizen.
“The drainage system has almost collapsed, unhygienic conditions are allowed to prevail, and raising of low-lying areas and timely removal of accumulated water and blockages has seldom taken place. Years have passed, but no people’s representative could find any solution to the sewer water accumulation on Doraha roads for years together. The leaders have always befooled us. The arrival of grants is nothing, but a mere false assurance. We have been left to our own fate,” rued Dr Tamanna, still another resident.
“If these leaders have failed to listen to us for years together, why should we be bound by their call to attend their rallies and listen to their bunch of lies. Do the candidates think that we are fools? Will the problem of sewer water entering our houses stop by our voting? They are the chips of the same block. So, it is better to sit back and relax,rather than lining up early in the morning before an election booth for those who are going to misuse government funds,” expressed philanthropist Jandeep, a resident of Doraha.
