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Tribals indifferent to campaigning

Sib Kumar Das

Tall promises, catchy slogans and racy numbers fail to enthuse voters

PHOTO: LINGARAJ PANDA

ALL QUIET: A street in Tamana, the only tribal village in Sihala Gram Panchayat, wears a deserted look on Saturday.

MEDINIPUR SQUARE (Ganjam district): Manifestoes and promises are just eyewash. This seems to be the strong belief of even inhabitants of rural pockets.

The Medinipur Square is the connecting point for tribal villages Tamana, Medinipur, Singabadi, Sihala and Scheduled Caste dominated village Jugudi.

The high-decibel campaign with catchy slogans and racy numbers seems to have not evoked any interest in the region.

"We will exercise our franchise. But, we know for sure that the candidates will not take up the issues they are raking up now for the sake of votes," say several persons while enjoying a meal at a roadside shop.

Long-pending demand

Bijay Pradhan of Tamana cites the case of Ghatakeswar small-irrigation project, which is a long-standing demand. "Foundation stone for the project was laid three times by leaders with much fanfare. But it is yet to materialise," he says.

Jagannath Behera, who contested on BJP ticket in the last elections and campaigning for the BJD now, intervenes saying: "We will submit a memorandum to the Chief Minister over the matter when he comes to Lathi village."

Panchayat elections are won through personal relations rather than tall promises, says the driver of a Congress campaign vehicle.

While campaigning was on at this square, tribals of Tamana village just a few km away were busy with their day-to-day chores.

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