DHORPATAN, Oct 31: Election fever has gripped Baglung with the election to the House of Representatives and provincial assemblies coming near.

Leaders and cadres of the political parties are busy wooing the voters from rural to urban areas. However, the election fever has not yet touched the flood-landslide survivors of Dhorpatan.

For a week, the candidates have reached the doorsteps of the disaster survivors with several assurances. But, the flood and landslide victims are turning tough to the candidates and elections itself.

They have made up their mind to vote for the candidates who can work in favor of the poor and helpless section of society. They complained that the representatives who emerged victorious several times before did not work for the welfare of the helpless section.

Kul Bahadur BK, a flood survivor, said, "Leaders come to ask for votes only during elections. They try to woo the voters through different techniques. We voted for them and they emerged winners as our representatives but they did not show any eagerness to resolve our problems. We would vote for those this time who understand our sufferings".

They have faced a myriad of problems because of illiteracy and remoteness, he said, complaining that the leaders turning up to their homes during elections have remained reluctant to serve them once they are elected.

BK further said that they had made the candidates winners in previous elections even when floods had rendered all Bhujikhola residents homeless. But, the elected people's representatives did not come to apply ointment to their wounds, he commented.

Leelmaya BK, another victim, said she would not cast her vote this time. "I might change my mind if any candidate comes up with a reliable plan to address our issues," she added. But, voters this time would not be cheated by the candidates and parties, she further said.

"I have voted for several candidates several times. But, my village did not get anything in return. The pain and suffering of my fellow people here remained unsolved. We would vote only for those who serve the helpless poor people in our village".

Neem Prakash BK who lost her wife and three children in floods said they would vote for the parties and candidates who come to address their demands. He voiced his complaint that no leader has come to relieve their pain even as it has been over two years since the devastating floods swept away his property and all members of the family.

The continuous floods and landslides that occurred in Bhujikhola two years ago had taken the lives of 38 people. Only 23 dead bodies were recovered while 15 missing have not been found. Floods and landslides had damaged 131 houses and taken away 11 hydro power house and canal, one health service unit, 11 suspension bridges, five concrete bridges, 10 suspension bridges and two schools.

(RSS)

 
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