Election buzz grows in Dalit settlements as candidates court voters

SARLAHI, Feb 9: With the general election approaching, political activity has intensified in Dalit settlements across rural areas, where candidates and parties are actively wooing voters.

Election-related discussions—ranging from alliances to voter shifts and potential winners—are common at public meeting places and tea stalls. Candidates and their supporters have been visiting homes, promising paved roads, drinking water, employment, scholarships for Dalit students and social security benefits.

However, many residents remain sceptical. “There is no basis to believe these commitments will be fulfilled,” said Raj Kumar Majhi, 65, of Chandranagar Rural Municipality–6.

Dalit settlements in Chandranagar, Ishwarpur, Haripur and Brahmapuri face chronic shortages of basic infrastructure. Communities such as the Majhi and Musahar struggle with muddy roads, lack of clean water, inadequate housing and limited access to schools and health services.

“In every election, leaders make big promises. After winning, they rarely return,” said Jitendra Majhi of Chandranagar–6, adding that children in the area still face difficulty accessing schools.

Most families in these settlements lack land ownership and depend on manual labour for survival. Local leader Ram Kewal Majhi said Dalit settlements are often overlooked during local budget allocations.

Civil society leader Rajnikant Jha stressed the need to move beyond treating Dalit communities as mere vote banks. “Their basic needs must be prioritised, budgets implemented transparently, and local leadership included in decision-making,” he said.

Teacher Nunia Majhi added that skills training is essential to improve income opportunities for Dalit families.

Similar demands raised in Kanchanpur

Meanwhile, Dalit communities in Kaluwapur, Shuklaphanta Municipality–11, Kanchanpur, say they will support candidates committed to developing their settlement.

Locals have demanded a concrete bridge, irrigation facilities, street lighting, employment opportunities, land ownership certificates and a model Dalit settlement. “Crossing the river has been a long-standing problem. Despite repeated assurances, no one has delivered,” said Dharma Bahadur Sarki.

Residents also complain about the absence of nearby health facilities, poor road conditions and lack of employment, forcing many youths to seek work in India.

There are 60 Dalit households in Kaluwapur and around 180 Dalit families in Ward No 11 of Shuklaphanta Municipality.

RSS