Home of bijli-paani andolan still swears by Kejriwal

Champa’s daughter Geeta (22) and daughter-in-law Dolly (25) said since that incident, the family decided to vote for Kejriwal irrespective of whether he wins or loses.

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“This house is a Kejriwal bastion. Bana Ram and his three other brothers, including my father-in-law, keep encouraging people to vote for the AAP,” Dolly said.

Before Kejriwal’s action, Dolly said each of the brothers had to contribute anywhere between Rs 3,000-4,000 per month towards the bills. “However, now we do not pay more than Rs 300-400. This is a huge saving. Each of the brothers have separate meters and use water heaters, television, refrigerator and washing machines freely. Yet, the bill is less,” Dolly said.

Dolly said she would like to vote for the AAP too, but does not have a Voter ID card. “Despite several attempts, officials did not issue my card. They ask for documents — school certificates or birth certificates. Where will uneducated people like us get these?” she said.

However, the enthusiasm displayed in Ram’s family was hardly visible in other houses of this locality.

A 60-year-old woman, who lives two houses away, is angry that the open drains and water collected in the locality have increased the mosquito menace.

“There is a wedding in the lane the day after and the stench is unbearable. Who will work for us? All of them — Kejriwal, Modi, Rahul — all are liars. Gareeb ke liye koi kuch nahi karta. (No one does anything for the poor). I am boycotting the election,” she said, refusing to give her name.

Revati Prasad, who runs a grocery store, says there is no single political wave in Sangam Vihar.

“The Congress is dead here. But BJP’s Kiran Bedi held a rally here recently. She is a strong contender. Modi is also impressive. The AAP also has a fair chance. The main problem in our area is sewers and lack of drainage. Let’s see. We haven’t made up our mind yet,” Revati said.