As a hot wind blows on a dry summer afternoon, over a dozen men stand around Ram Mehar’s food cart near Uttam Nagar East metro station digging misshapen spoons into plates of rajma chawal (beans and rice), washing it all down with raita (curd) served in a flimsy plastic glass.
Ram charges ₹30 for the meal but what comes free is a lively discussion on the heated political climate ahead of the Lok Sabha election here on May 12.
“Everybody who comes to the food cart has an opinion. Some of them do not engage in the discussion immediately but I ensure that they too share their views before leaving the place. We have debated on everything from notebandi [demonetisation] to who will fix the open drains. I can tell you without a doubt that in the current election, people are not going to vote considering which candidate is making what promise. The vote will go for a leader who has finished off terrorists,” says Mehar.
Talk at food cart
On a tiny ledge that serves as a table around the cart, Rajneesh, a young sales representative, tries desperately to balance his plate. Despite overhearing the discussion, he does not respond. But halfway through his meal, he looks up and says: “What has changed in the last five years? Are there jobs? Has black money been eradicated? It is all the same. The best we can do is vote for a candidate who will spend money on developing infrastructure in our locality.”
Lal Chand, who lives in Jhuggi Jhopri colony, jumps into the discussion and quips: “What difference does it make who you vote for? Parliament never functions anyway and we will get to see these leaders only during election time. They make us dream while they fulfil theirs.”
Scene shifts to mall
A few kilometres down the road at a swanky mall in Tagore Garden, shoppers are oblivious to the heat outside. What many of them are also oblivious to is the general election. Engaging in a discussion with people waiting for their meals at the food court is antithetical to the scene at Ram’s food stall. Political opinions are hard to extract and most say “we do not know much about this”.
While waiting for her meal, Ruhi Mehra, a resident of Janakpuri, says: “Pollution is the biggest problem that Delhi faces and no party seems to be interested in solving it. If a party comes up with a solid plan to get rid of pollution, I will vote for it.” She added that the odd-even scheme, introduced briefly by the Delhi government, was a smart move.
Kunaal, who is on a date, says: “I feel safe in a country that can protect its people from terrorists. I am a proud Indian after the Balakot airstrikes.” His girlfriend Sneha, giving him a stern look, says: “Have you forgotten about the soldiers we lost in Pulwama. We cannot keep taking badla (revenge).” Both the youngsters are voters in the West Delhi constituency, but neither of them are aware of the candidates fighting from the seat.
Mayapuri scrap market
In the chaos of the scrap market in Mayapuri, food for thought gives way to food for survival.
“Our life here is on pause. We have no idea what will happen to us if our workshops get sealed once the model code of conduct is lifted. Thousands of people who make a living from the scrap markets here will go hungry if the units are shut down. We will have to be very careful who to vote for and we will all vote together,” says Randhir Singh, who assembles air coolers.
He adds that none of the candidates have given them convincing assurances that they will protect their interests. “Without political protection, our business will be shut down... all those doing business here have the sword of sealing hanging over their heads,” Mr. Singh says.
Business community
In Fateh Nagar, near Tihar jail, shopkeepers say that demonetisation severely hurt businesses and they are only now coming to grips with the new Goods and Services Tax slabs.
Akshay Singh, who owns a sanitary store, says: “Business has been tough because of a string of measures taken by the BJP government over the last five years. But ultimately it was done to better the country. The Aam Aadmi Party came with the right intent but they are drowning in political waters. I do not think they will be given another chance here although they have been focusing on solving some of the basic civic issues.”
Moving on to Dwarka
Touted as Asia’s biggest sub-city, Dwarka is part of the vast West Delhi constituency. Arun Rishi, who lives in a condominium complex in Sector 5 here, says that the authorities had promised the best infrastructure to residents, but over time, road quality has deteriorated and minor works are not being completed.
“There is a nallah (drain) that runs through our sector that leads to the Najafgarh drain, which politicians have promised to cover, but they have never delivered on their promise. The drain is a breeding ground for mosquitoes, causing dengue and malaria outbreaks. It also releases poisonous gases,” says Mr. Rishi. He claims that the sub-city is also becoming a hotbed for petty crimes as the several villages surrounding Dwarka have a large “migrant population”. .
Mahavir Enclave
Talking about civic issues they face on a daily basis, a group of enterprising women in Bengali Colony in Mahavir Enclave complain about irregular water supply, damaged roads, open drains and choked sewers.
“We thought that at least water scarcity would have been solved by now, but it is something that we are still dealing with. However, for Lok Sabha election, we will vote keeping in mind larger problems of the country,” says Sharda Rautela.
They list corruption, terrorism, communal violence and a strong economy as the key issues they will be considering when they cast their vote in a little over a week.
Community arithmetic
Addressing the right issues, however, may not seal the deal for those in the fray from the West Delhi constituency as apart from the huge socio-economic divide that they will have to address, candidates will also have to deal with the ‘community arithmetic’.
The constituency is dominated by Punjabi/Sikh and Jat communities but also has a sizeable Poorvanchali community. The BJP has fielded incumbent MP Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma while AAP has put forward Balbir Singh Jakhar — both are from the Jat community.
The Congress candidate is former MP from the constituency Mahabal Mishra, a Poorvanchali. This community arithmetic may not play a major role in the urban segments of the constituency but it may create an impact in rural areas like Najafgarh and Madipur.
