Residents say no candidate outreach, voter education absent
CHITWAN, FEBRUARY 26
With just a week remaining before the House of Representatives elections, campaign activity is visible across much of the country. However, residents of a Majhi and Musahar settlement in Ratnanagar Municipality–8 say the election fervour has yet to reach their community.
The settlement, home to 29 households from the Majhi and Musahar communities, has seen no candidate visits or campaign outreach so far, according to Basmati Majhi, chairperson of the settlement.
"In previous elections, candidates or party representatives used to visit seeking votes. This time, no one has come," she said, adding that many residents are unaware of which parties have fielded candidates.
She also complained that voter education volunteers have not reached the settlement, leaving many unclear about voting procedures. The community largely depends on daily wage labour and continues to struggle with limited access to education, healthcare and employment.
Mahesh Majhi, a first-time voter who recently completed his Plus Two education, said he feels little motivation to participate. Unable to secure employment, he now drives a rented auto-rickshaw for a living.
"There is no guarantee of jobs, education or health services. I don't see the point of voting," he said.
Similarly, Anjali Majhi, who completed Grade 12 and is currently engaged in skill-based work at home, said political parties have overlooked their settlement. She noted that many voters in the community are unfamiliar with the voting process due to a lack of proper voter education.
Residents say the absence of engagement has deepened feelings of neglect in a community that already faces socio-economic marginalisation.
(With inputs from RSS)