Rajbiraj, November 21

The impoverished Muslim electorate in Saptari is in a dilemma as to who they should vote for in the upcoming elections this December.

Having seen many leaders who only pay lip service, the voters now are waiting for candidates they can trust with their invaluable votes.

“A host of candidates have approached us, but we are waiting for the ones we can trust to solve our problems, not the ones who are all-mouth but no action,” said Rasida Khatun of Bodebarsain Municipality-4, which has a predominant Muslim population. “Many came canvassing for votes in the past as well, but few ever returned to learn how we were faring,” she added.

Khatun specifically bemoaned being excluded from the government’s free housing programme for Dalit and impoverished Muslim community members.

“The programme is being implemented in our village, but we have been excluded,” Khatun lamented.