Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Dec 18: The tragedy with Enmakaje gram panchayat is that it is neither Kerala nor Karnataka. From the past 15 years, the same political party is ruling the gram panchayat. But development is just an illusion.

According to records, Enmakaje falls under Manjeshwar taluk of Kasargod district of Kerala. But the people of this village are dependent more on Dakshina Kannada. However, as this gram panchayat falls on border it is still not developed.

Enmakaje gram panchayat has 17 wards. However, most of the wards do not have fundamental facilities. The plight of Saya ward is pathetic. There are more than 300 houses in Saya ward. Most of them are in dilapidated condition. The only Anganwadi center in the ward is discarded. The community hall also is not used as no electricity connection is given to it. Roads are not available. Commuting is a herculean task in this ward. Elderly people run from pillar to post even today to get fundamental facilities. Children have to walk all the way to schools as road are not available for vehicle to commute.

From the past 15 years UDF, supported by Congress is ruling Enmakaje gram panchayat. People of the village are frustrated as the party that is ruling the village has not done any development at all. In the election that was held recently, though UDF has secured more seats, it does not have the majority to form the panchayat on its own. UDF has won in eight wards, while LDF has bagged four and NDA, supported by BJP won five seats. It is possible that the NDA members will be the kingmakers while forming the administrative committee of the gram panchayat. It has to be seen whether the destiny of this neglected gram panchayat will change at least now.