By Shaik Zakeer Hussain, TwoCircles.net,
Bengaluru: Of the many things common between the residents of Bangalore’s Tannery Road and Goripalya, is their disillusionment with politics and politicians. Most of the people TCN talked to clearly said that, voting has not brought any changes to their lives and are not excited about the elections.
Located in the north-east part of Bangalore, Tannery Road, which comes under the Sarvagnanagar Assembly Constituency, is everything that Bangalore’s high tech image isn’t. Potholes are a common sight everywhere and according to residents, it is only filled during the time of elections or when a high ranking government official pays a visit.
Tannery Road in Bengaluru.
Tannery Road has a significant number of Muslims and Dalit Hindu, Christian population and the area is densely populated. Most residents are involved in petty businesses or are labourers and other low income earners.
Siddique Hussain, an oil merchant said, “Though our incomes remain the same, prices of basic commodities have shot up, sometimes I have discomfort quoting prices to my customers, as I know they can’t afford it”. All he needs is basic amenities and respite in terms of prices, he said.
Shafiullah, a local scrap dealer at Tannery Road in Bengaluru.
B. Shafiullah, a scrap dealer who has a shed made of metal racks for a store, said, “I pay Rs. 1,200 for this place and another Rs. 50 as hafta (protection money) to local goons. I have decided not to vote, as whoever comes to power will make no difference to my situation. I believe in Allah and want to live a righteous life.”
A Sexagenarian, he has seen many unknowns with little or no education climbing political ladders in no time. “They now reside in mansions, while we have to cover our roofs with tarpaulin when it rains, I could not even get an Adhar card, due to their complex rules”, he added.
There is hardly any development in the region.
Faraz (name changed) a BE Graduate, who did not want to be named for the fear of hoodlums hired by almost every political parties here, said, “It does not matters who the candidate is: Hindu or Muslim, as long as he is educated, I will vote for him. There is absolutely no work done here for years, when we call the local MLA here for any work, he does not respond”.
One of the other major problems faced by residents here is that of drinking water. There is an irregular supply of it and people have to pay private water suppliers for their ever increasing need. Garbage is dumped on streets and drains constantly get blocked.
Rajendran T, member of Karnataka Nava Nirman Vedike, a local NGO, said, “Due to the terrain of this area, we have lot of water problems. We have a 12 inch water pipe, which does not release water with full pressure. I have been fighting for months to get an 18 inch pipe installed here, but to no avail.” The middle men have siphoned off the money sanctioned for the pipe. If we don’t get our work done this time, we will contest for the elections ourselves, he said.
This is common scene in Goripalya locality in Bengaluru.
The situation is no different in Goripalya area in the Chamrajpet Assembly constituency. At its entrance is a huge garbage dump next to a grave yard. The filth pouring out covers half the road, making it difficult for passers-by and the stench is unbearable.
Salman, who has a workshop in front of it said, “No one comes to collect it, it’s as if the authorities have forgotten this place”. He has no other option but to live here, he said.
Syed Mujeeb, a handicapped person, who runs a small store here said, “The government says there are subsidies for disabled people like me, I was made to run around from one office to another to get those subsidies, but got none.” Who should I vote and why I should vote, he asks.
Despite several attempts, the current MLA of this constituency Janata Dal (Secular)’s BZ Zameer Ahamed Khan was not available for comment. His secretary said he was busy campaigning with party chief and close friend HD Kumaraswamy.
(Photos: Mohd. Ismail Khan)