Upset over the apathy of politicians and officials towards resolving civic issues in their locality, residents in Bhopal have started boycotting the upcoming poll. Various colonies have displayed banner and posters at their entrance gate to boycott the election. After the Election Commission declared schedule of the elections, people have started raising their voice for demands like road, street light, water and other basic facilities. Three colonies in Bhopal have put up posters on their main gate to boycott the election. Many residents are annoyed with the politicians and officials. People of Danish Nagar, Hoshangabad Road are continuing ‘Narmada Jal’ campaign for past six months. Residents have displayed posters at their homes demanding Narmada Jal. While in New Chauksey Nagar residents have displayed poster ‘Vote Maangkar Sharminda Na Kare’ (Don’t ask for the vote), residents of DK Homes at Kolar have also said to support ‘NOTA’. Residents of Danish Nagar said that this is a legal colony and they are paying property tax and other taxes to the municipal corporation but they are facing water issues for years.

 

There are around 500 houses and 2,000 voters in Danish Nagar but people are facing water crisis. During summer, people purchase water tankers for their daily need. People have displayed posters like ‘Narmada Jal Nahi to vote Nahi’ (No Narmada Jal, No Vote), “Bhikh Nahi Maag Rahe, Kardata Apna Adhikar Maag Rahe” (we are not begging while voters are seeking our right). S L Verma, resident of Danish Nagar says, “We are purchasing water daily need. There is no water supply by our society. We are paying tax to the municipal corporation and maintenance charge to the society but for water we are spending extra bucks. When it comes about vote, politicians make promises and after winning the poll, they all vanish.”

 

Anshu Gupta, social worker and resident of Danish Nagar says, “Various campaigns and drives have been conducted to draw attention of officials and politician towards the water issue in Danish Nagar but not one initiated. We are campaigning for last one year. Residents of the colony have now decided to boycott the upcoming poll as they all are irritated with the false promises.” Residents of New Chauksey Nagar displayed poster about two months back demanding sewage, street light, road and other facilities. The area comes under ward no 79 and around 500 houses, 2,000 voters are there. They all have decided to avoid their vote in upcoming election.