Seeking change and development, tea tribe people cast their vote

From a Correspondent

Tezpur, April 11: The five LACs under Tezpur election district went to polls in the first phase on April 4. The tea garden people constitute a large chunk of the electorates here and they exercised their right to vote to bring in change.

The tea tribe people constitute about 17 per cent of the State’s population and the tribe is at the centre of election alysis as their votes count in all the constituencies, which means they hold the key to the success of the major contenders.

Kabita Tanti Gowala, a graduate from Darrang College, said, “We have been brushed aside from every angle. Whoever came to power never paid attention to our problems and demands and so this time we came out in large numbers to exercise our voting rights with the anticipation to bring change since we are being deprived from education, employment, potable water, roads and accommodation.”

She further stressed that the change did not come merely through verbal communication, rather the button of the EVM had to be pressed at the appropriate place so that deserving candidate wins.

Murkus Gowala, a 21-year old boy from Dhekiajuli Tea Estate who could not complete his studies due to poverty, after casting his vote, said, “The people of tea garden areas are always disregarded. The government never shows any intensity to solve our problems. But this time we have decided to elect a deserving contender so that we can experience change and all-round development.”

Dilip Tanti, a 23-year old youth from rayanpur Tea Estate was also seen happy after casting his vote for the first time. He said, “I have noticed that only during the time of election the tea tribe people are considered important. Otherwise, we are left in a sorry state. We have come forward to cast our vote with the expectation that our lives will change for the better.”