Poll returns to mock thousands in forgotten land

KOLKATA: Candles and kerosene lamps are the only source of light in this part of Kolkata for 25 years. And a filthy pond the lone water source.
For over 5,000 people trapped by garbage from all sides a rickety wooden bridge over a canal is the sole link to the world.
The graffiti on mud walls is the only reminder that the area belongs to the prestigious South Kolkata Parliamentary constituency, where Mamata Banerjee is the sitting MP.
While Robin Deb, Mamata Banerjee and Nafisa Ali jostle for space on the walls, people remain indifferent to what they describe as a "mockery".
The area, less then three kilometres from EM Bypass, was included in the Kolkata Municipal Corporation area almost 25 years ago. Since then, time has stood still in the villages of Makaltala, Tinhatpalli and Khanapirey which comprise KMC wards 58 and 59.
While parties are experimenting with websites and SMS, this part of Kolkata craves for even basic civic amenities like electricity, drinking water and proper sanitation system.
Five star hotels just across the road remain brightly illuminated - almost mocking the thousands on the other side of the road.
Their day starts with a terrible stench from a crematorium nearby, where unclaimed bodies are burnt. The area does not have a health centre or a school.
"No social service scheme ever reaches us. There is not even a booth for polio vaccination," said resident Tapan Guchhait. "We are living in hell. We puke over food because of the unbearable stench. Many of us cannot even bear to look at food and then we spend nights in darkness," said a bitter Malati Gosai.
"We have talked to Mamata and Ashok Bhattacharya but nothing has been done." "We tried our best but there was always interference from the government," says Ward 58 councillor Pankaj Makal of Trinamul.
A conflict between Makal and CPM councillor of Ward 59 Lakhimani Chatterjee has cost the people dearly, locals claimed.
"Otherwise, why don''t we get electricity when poles have been set up on the outskirts," said a local resident. Promises are again being made this time round.
"We don''t care any longer. Survival is a more serious issue," said local resident Ratan Mondol.