On Tuesday, the Gramasabha of the sixth ward of Adat panchayat turned memorable when Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reached there to have a feel of the event. He also heard from the people one of whom abruptly told him politicians are all thieves.

To move forward

Rahul reached Sree Durga Hall at Ramanchira around 1 p.m. to study the functioning of the system. After attending the social audit report presentation of MGNREGA scheme in the ward and listening to the people’s demands for solutions to some of their problems, Rahul paused for a while. Then, he expressed his desire to know what the people thought about the gramasabha, and what were their suggestions to improve its functioning. Smoothly came a response from one of the participants, Ramanunni. The sabha should ensure participation of all voters who should deliberate on the problems they faced and address them collectively.

Fact-fully, it impressed Rahul, who responded with a broad smile. Nevertheless, what caught the attention of all was an interaction between Rahul Gandhi and Rajesh Choorakattukara who was a gramasabha participant.

Furthermore, Rahul asked the gathering about what do they think about political parties in general, while Rajesh raised his hand and replied that they are all thieves. Rahul appeared taken aback, but he swiftly asked him for an elaborateness while Rajesh continued saying that the politicians are interested in their own businesses and do nothing for the common good.

As a concluding fact, Rahul asked him if he had a solution to it, while Rajesh replied as Yes while he stresses that Gramasabha is the forum for changing this and that people need to make the best use of it which appeared to add enthusiasm in Rahul. Nevertheless, he stopped short of giving his own view on the matter.

After all there is a saying that truth is always bitter to taste but still remains as a truth until the end. But if he agreed to the fact then that means he included himself in the list. How unfortunate it is!

(AW:Samrat Biswas)