However, the same people now have nothing but hatred for and rage against Baburam Bhattarai, thanks to his utter failure to keep the lofty promises he made to the villagers. [break]
“The prime minister had promised to immediately release Rs 2 million to uplift our living standard, establish schools and police and health posts and ensure the construction of toilets in every house,” said local resident Jakal Devi Sada, who voted for the Maiosts in the Constituent Assembly elections but is now regretting it.
“He was very quick to make promises though he had no intention of delivering on them. In the next election I will give my vote only to a party that will really deliver and not just make promises,” she added.
Sixty-three year old Bishnu Sada is no less disappointed. The more so as he is still unable to pay off a loan of Rs 10,000 he had taken to arrange for the best meal and other comforts for the PM during the special visit.
“I hear that he has sent money to repay the loan, but I have not received it yet. It was not possible for me to welcome him without taking a loan,” Bishnu said. “We have no schools, hospital, electricity or any other facility here. We were so hopeful that his visit to this village would be a boon for us, but it has turned out to be futile,” he added.
Similarly, another local, Indu Sada, said that the villagers had made adequate preparations for the PM´s visit and many were later sad that they could not even have chat with him.
“The locals were so overwhelmed by the visit. But the PM came and left and many did not even get a chance to talk to him,” she said. “Moreover, nothing he promised has materialized.”
According to this indigenous community, which comprises only 140 households, the PM on 13 October promised them basic facilities but these have been limited in the end to just one mosquito net and a blanket for each family. “We have come to understand that nobody takes us seriously or heeds our woes,” said Bishnu sadly.
Related story
Feeling angry? The 'Rage Room' opens in Sao Paulo
