A panchayat level ‘Jan Sunwai’ was organized on 13 October 2014 by the CPI(ML) at village Rupauli, 18 km from Darbhanga town. This panchayat falls under Hanuman Nagar block of Bahadurpur Assembly constituency. A survey had earlier been conducted at 2 booths in this panchayat (booth no. 57 and 60). The people of Rupuali village had been engaged in a movement for flood relief, and for several days a large number of women and children sat in dharna at the Polo maidan near the DM’s office. Although there is no Party member in Rupauli village, Party comrades intervened to help organize this movement and make it successful. The Jan Sunwai held at Rupauli village was thus part of this ongoing movement. About 250 women, men, students, and youth participated in this programme which was organized in the community hall complex. After the declaration of the Presidential board and jury, comrade Sunil gave details of the 102 families surveyed in both the booths. The detailed report highlighted several issues – number of adults missing from the voters’ lists, status of anganwadis, schools and student scholarships in the area, status of land ownership, housing and healthcare facilities, status of implementation of MNREGA and food security schemes, and status of toilet, electricity and water facilities. After this report was presented, the chairman of the jury Samkaleen Lok Yudh joint editor Pradeep Jha asked the people present to speak on every one of these issues relating to the condition of Rupauli village, and it came to light that the situation on the ground was even worse. The women were most forthright. They pointed out that rations were being cut, and the price of rice and wheat were being raised by Rs 5 and Rs 4 per kg respectively. A few people were getting work for 10-12 days under MNREGA, but even they had got either no payment at all or only partial payment. Students pointed out that the transformer has been burnt out for some months now, but the electricity bills are coming in regularly without fail. Their studies are being affected due to lack of electricity, and so their exam results are not up to their capability. Scholarships in government schools are being given to students selectively. There is no anganwadi and no sub-health centre. The villagers showed that one side of the village was covered with flood waters and their crops have been destroyed. They were angry because no relief had reached them.
Addressing the Jan Sunwai, CPI(ML) Darbhanga district Secretary Vaidyanath Yadav condemned the government’s discriminatory attitude and negligence towards flood victims as well as the indifferent attitude towards scams in ration distribution. He called upon the people present to participate in large numbers in the Hanuman Nagar block office gherao on 5 November announced by CPI(ML). Local woman activist Pramila Devi contributed significantly towards making this programme a success. Party district committee member and Khet Mazdoor Sabha district Secretary comrade Jamal, AISA activist Prince Kumar, and comrade Saheb were present in the Jan Sunwai programme.
