Election ambiance has increased in Dhading. Various political parties have intensified election campaigns, while people from various walks of life are found chit-chatting about the polls, especially about who wins this time.
However, a Chepang settlement at Brusbang in the district is ignorant of the polls. It seems the election fever is yet to reach the settlement of the poorest. No political party has reached the village for the vote so far, complained the villagers.
The settlement, which is a nine-hour drive from the Prithvi Highway, and located in a hill in Mahabharat Parbat, has 36 houses of the community. The poor Chepangs are struggling to manage two squares meal a day, as the produce they generate hardly last three months.
Now this time, they have a plan to share their grievances with those approaching them for votes and are eagerly waiting to seize this opportunity. However, failure of the political parties to show up in the settlement for votes has shattered their plan.
"We are facing various problems resulting from lack of a health post, and a drinking water project. We are forced to sustain on wild roots for want of food items," said local resident Surya Maya Chepang. The locals have to walk at least five hours to reach a nearby health facility, she said.
"We have heard about the polls. But no political leaders have approached us for votes. We are also unaware of how to cast vote," said another villager.
