Patel Nagar slum dwellers to reject all poll candidates

'Will press NOTA to protest unresolved issues here'

More than 450 voters living in a slum in  Patel Nagar constituency have decided to boycott February 7 polls and use the NOTA button to protest against unresolved waterlogging and drainage problems in their area.

The slum near the Punjabi Basti colony is home to more than 50 families. The lack of drainage system has forced the entire area to live in a waterlogged condition, complain residents.

“During the Assembly election we have decided to use the NOTA as a boycott of all political parties,” said Sohan Lal, a 45-year-old resident in the area.

“Not even one of the 450 voters from the colony is willing to vote for any party because they feel cheated,” added Lal.

Blaming lack of political will to take on any development work in the colony, residents said promises have remained only on paper for many years.

“We have to struggle to reach our houses because of the waterlogged lone approach road. Other roads are also in a pathetic condition,” said another resident.

Raju Dhingan, a tutor living in the colony, said: “Elected representatives come to us only during elections and do not work for us after getting elected. So, to draw the attention to our problems, we will use the NOTA button.”

The residents blame careless political parties and successive area legislators for waterlogging and drainage failure.

“We are facing immense problems. Some of the families migrated to other places due to waterlogging,” said a resident.

“We feel ashamed when any guest visits us. Waterlogged roads have made movement difficult and risky. Walls of our houses have turned damp due to stagnant water. Children are not able to go to school,” he said.

The candidates have been visiting the area seeking votes. The residents claimed they have brought their problem to the notice of Krishna Tirath of the BJP, Hajari Lal Chauhan of the Aam Aadmi Party and Rajesh Lilothia of the Congress.

“We have also warned them about our plan to use NOTA,” said Dhingan.