By poll to Munugodu legislative constituency in Nalgonda district of Telangana state is attracting attention of the  national media for its unique poll, campaign by the political parties,  the budget involved  and ayarams, gayarams from various parties for some benefit  changing the permutations and combinations over night some leaving parent party and coming back next day etc. As per the news reports ,nearly 130 candidates are contesting for one MLA seat  till the last date of nominations ,the tenure if it only one year.

Ruling TRS party, BJP and Congress are spending unlimited money to lure voters running into hundreds of crores coming upto one thousand crores as per the version of some observers. Alcohol, freebies and other benefits are on the streets. If one family got more than two votes they get handsome money of thousands as a package. In addition gold ornaments are also in the picture for the women. Infact as per the news there is competition for money among people for voting. If one group is paid less the other group fights for equal amount. If any one not received money ,then they question why they are neglected and fight with local leaders. Even some mobiles, bikes and cars for big leaders is the talk of the constituency
It is most unfortunate and tragic that all candidates of all political parties are vote bank minded to win at any cost but no one is coming forward with development activities as it is most backward area suffering with excess flouride in drinking water and many above forty to fifty years of age are still suffering with bone deformities , joint and back pains due to consumption of excess flouride drinking water since their childhood. As they are unable to do any hard work for earning ,they are left to their fate. Ofcourse with Mission Bhagiratha scheme of flouride safe drinking water is provided but it is not complete for each and every house and still many hurdles for regular supply.
Munugodu constituency has been  facing many problems like worst roads, regular safe drinking water for all , bridges on rivers for transport, buildings for gram panchayathas, govt offices, anganvadis, better health care  are a few among many. As on today ,for immediate needs Munugodu needs ₹80 crores and for transforming constituency for better services to people it requires ₹500 crores which is not a big budget for rich Telamgana state. But shockingly nearly ₹one thousand crores are rotating in the constituency for by poll for MLA seat ,the tenure ends just after one year! Then why this madness to spend huge budget? Why not spend same for beautiful constituency with development? It is surprising that TRS govt promised to the constituency to adopt Munugodu if it wins! Why the same offer of adoption not announced since eight years? Why this sudden extra love for Munugodu? It is a common observation in the state that most of the welfare schemes are announced at the time of elections only as the past elections reveal. So nothing to get surprised at the adoption scheme at this by poll. Almost all political parties sailing in the same boat with same gimmicks and more by ruling party with its huge resources, power and official favours with an advantage over others.

Some interesting development  in the constituency among the youth and others having faith in the temples of democracy is that many posters are seen saying that we want development and better living conditions and donot come to village without development plans and we vote for development but not for money. Some other posters appeal to people neither to accept nor demand money, alcohol, freebies etc for voting but vote for development. Indeed a good transformation among few voters and if every voter feels with similar mind I am sure temples of democracy will be with sincere and dedicated peoples representatives and will always be pure and healthy to serve the people with ethical and human values with development and welfare going together. Democracy is of the people, by the people and for the people but in these days there is a total change in the definition showing that  democracy is of the politicians, by the politicians and for the politicians. Who is to be blamed? Both the citizens and politicians as the former for selling the holy vote and latter purchasing it at any cost. It is an open secret.  Ofcourse there are many exceptions who still treat election as a festival and go to polling booth sincerely ,the aged in particular,as a fundamental duty and responsibility to cast vote without expecting nor demanding a return gift personally for voting but for development and welfare of all. Because of such citizens our democracy is still biggest one surviving for a long time as an envy to other countries. Let us hope a corruption free and fair election all over the country worshiping democracy with pure heart.

Dr JP Reddy,
Nalgonda,
Telangana.