ABDULLA KHAN | NT
VALPOI: Even though several of the Poriem villages saw community halls being built for the benefit of its residents, summer waters woes here have continued for a long time now.
The demands for the construction of Charavnem dam, construction of Belgaum road via Thane and laying of water pipeline connecting Dabos water treatment plant to water-deficient villages also have failed to get the government’s attention.
The Poriem constituency lies in lap of Western Ghats and comprises 8 village panchayats. Pratapsing Rane has been representing the constituency for the last four decades, and this time he is facing four candidates. There is a strong presence of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the constituency, and a large number of its supporters had attended the first meeting held at Honda, which was addressed by the BJP top leaders including Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar.
Some people here say that no development works were undertaken by the government.
Rane was initially hesitant to enter the fray but was convinced by the Congress workers to contest. This election is significant for the Congress candidate because if he wins he will be doing so for the record tenth time from the same constituency.
Rane is facing Vishwajit K Rane of BJP, Suhas Naik of Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), Sitaram Gawas of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Ajit Mhalshekar, an Independent.
The MGP and the AAP could prove spoiler for the BJP as there are chances of a vote division.
The AAP candidate Sitaram Gawas was once a BJP leader, and has good ties with the voters in the area.
The BJP candidate Vishwajeet K Rane is contesting the seat for the second time.
In the 2012 assembly poll, BJP’s parivartan mantra hit the Congress badly but failed to be hurdle for Pratapsing Rane, however, reduced his winning margin.
The BJP is confident of grabbing the seat as Vishwajeet K Rane even after losing the election has worked in the constituency and created a good base.
Sources informed that the BJP candidate is enjoying a strong support in areas like Bhirondem, Morle, Honda and Mauxi while Pratapsing Rane’s clean image seems to have a significant influence on the voters in Keri, Poriem, Pissurlem, Thane, and parts of Mauxi.
Though some people strongly feel that the land issue has been pending for a long, many said that the promotion of tourism and construction of Charavnem dam, which could put an end to the water woes of the constituency, should be given the priority.
However, placement in the government jobs is the primary demand of the youth here.
When Vishwajit Rane was the health and agriculture minister, he had recruited many youth from this constituency in various government posts but some say that in the process of allotment of jobs they were not considered.
“I strongly feel that major development works have eluded the constituency for many years now. The people want employment opportunities. There is need for a vibrant leadership,” said Rajesh Rane, who feels Vishwajeet K Rane holds the panacea for the Poriem’s problems.
“No doubt jobs were allotted in Sattari but to those who had good connection with the Junior Rane and also to those who are financially sound,” said Rukshida Desai.
While canvassing, the BJP candidate is stressing on the need to create a change in the constituency. Various development works undertaken in the constituency by the government during last five years like construction of the community halls under MPLAD scheme, construction of retaining walls and beautification of areas, construction of roads and panchayat buildings are being highlighted.
However, a Morle resident Babaji Gawas said that the BJP needs to see its report card for the last five years in terms of development and jobs provided in our village.
Another resident from Keri, Samir Gaonkar said that many youth were happy that they would get government jobs during the BJP’s rule as they were so assured by the local leaders, but they were disillusioned after the government cancelled the recruitment process citing financial crisis.
He further asked as to why the government hiked the doles when the state was suffering from financial crisis.
The MGP has fielded Suhas Naik. Naik’s candidature was announced quite late.
The AAP is seeking votes on the promise of resolving the long pending land issue, which has remained a distant dream for the villagers here.
Political analysts feel that though the five candidates are in the fray, the real fight will be between Pratapsing Rane and Vishwajeet K Rane.
Unemployment is a major issue here. Many people are involved in agricultural activities while a section of the population is employed in various government departments.
Of the 30,678 voters in Poriem, 40 per cent are youth, who are likely to play a crucial role this election.