The Pioneer, April 20, 2009
Is there a relationship between the scions of the royal families of Balangir and Kalahandi representing various Assembly and Parliamentary constituencies of the two districts and the entire area being the poorest in the country? These worthies get elected several times in a row and, oftentimes, hold powerful ministerial positions too. But what do they do for their constituencies? Poor and illiterate people believe that they are the gods on earth and vote for them blindly, election after election. But what has been done to repay their trust? Do the kings think that their subjects must stay poor all the time so that their kingship will remain shining forever? Like in the previous ministries, there are two royal Ministers in the present Government who, had they wanted, could have done a lot for their people. But nothing tangible has been done. If this is not cheating people’s trust, what else it is? In fact, this is a classic case of abuse of trust. I believe this is the principal reason for lack of development and, hence, acute poverty in Balangir and Kalahandi. All else are secondary. The tragedy is all the main parties woo these kings and queens to contest on their tickets, as they are sure winners from their pocket boroughs. Remember the dictum: by his friends shall you know him? When it comes to electoral politics, all parties sing from the same song-sheet. Any doubt?
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