Common demands

Sir — For a significant period of time, municipal elections had functioned as a fair process by which people elected their representatives who were expected to take up issues relevant to the neighbourhood and work out solutions through their respective councils. But now civic polls have become a highly politicized affair. They are no less a part of the routine political battles we witness during the general elections. It was amazing to note how major leaders of various political parties went the extra mile, literally, to appeal to voters on behalf of the prospective councillors in Odisha.

Take the example of the chief minister, Naveen Patnaik, who travelled extensively in various districts in his helicopter and engaged his ministers to concentrate on particular towns in overseeing the party campaign. They left no stone unturned in wooing voters as they know that the results will indicate the preference of the electorate in the 2014 assembly elections. The candidates for the civic polls have come to be known by their party symbols, not for their work history. The common people, too, get swayed by the ostentatious political campaigning and vote in an irresponsible manner. Should we not be voting for a person who cares about people’s issues — those related to roads, drinking water, street lights, cleanliness and sanitation?

Yours faithfully,
Sunil Kumar Rout, Berhampur

Sir — That elections rely on glamour and have become a star-studded affair these days was proved by the mad campaigning by filmstars and television personalities on behalf of the candidates in the fray for the civic polls. Matinee idols and pretty faces from television created a flutter every time they went out appealing for votes, creating near-stampedes at the venues. As it is, the presence of celebrities at any meeting inevitably draws crowds. But political parties are now ensuring that they have a ‘star’ campaigner doing road shows, motorcycle rallies and street meetings for their candidates to connect with the people at another level.

Yours faithfully,
Amulya Mishra, Bhubaneswar

Sir — With the announcement of the schedule for the municipal elections in Odisha, the model code of conduct came into effect, thereby putting development work on the backburner for more than a month. Since the code was also applicable to rural areas close to the jurisdiction of poll-bound urban bodies, no programme, policy or project could move ahead. As per rules, no fresh release of funds for welfare schemes should be made or contract for public works awarded in any part of the state where the election process is in progress without the prior permission of the State Election Commission.

Such restrictions have worked as the perfect excuse for government officers to shut themselves off. All developmental activities have gone for a toss. I wonder how much loss this would translate into in terms of money. We have the Lok Sabha elections coming up next year that would lead to the imposition of another model code of conduct, making way for a long period of complete inactivity.

Yours faithfully,
Prabhu Priya Pattnaik, Bhubaneswar

Sir — Last year, the Odisha government had enhanced the reservation for women in urban local bodies from 33 per cent to 50 per cent, expecting this to have a far-reaching impact on women’s empowerment. Although there have been apprehensions that seat reservation would lead to dummy candidates being put up or incompetent persons getting elected, it is only fair that women should have equal representation in decision-making bodies. Moreover, reserving seats will ensure that more women leaders emerge in a primarily patriarchal system and contribute to the process of development. Having women in important posts has other advantages too. They will not only be more sensitive to gender issues but women will also feel more comfortable in approaching them with their problems.

Women are known to balance social and familial responsibilities well. All they need is a chance to prove their mettle. Having said this, it cannot be denied that women candidates in the panchayati raj institutions are still not fully conscious of their rights and powers. Their husbands or a male member in their families are often those who actually get to exercise power. I hope to see rural women becoming more assertive.

Yours faithfully,
Shivani Nayak, Bhubaneswar