Pune: Kalyani Nagar Residents Contemplate Not Casting Votes in Upcoming Lok Sabha Elections
Pune: Kalyani Nagar Residents Contemplate Not Casting Votes in Upcoming Lok Sabha Elections
Pune’s Kalyani Nagar residents have been persistently facing issues like excessive noise from nearby pubs.Â
29 April 2024
Kalyani Nagar locals have claimed that because of perpetual problems with noise pollution and disturbance, they have been facing harassment from pubs for the last two years. In spite of multiple grievances, the authorities have not taken decisive steps to address the problem in the long-term.
When residents have approached the relevant departments, they have been treated with finger-pointing and a lack of concrete answers. The locals are angry and disenchanted with this lack of accountability. They believe that it is now appropriate for them to decide whether or not to cast their votes in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.
A Kalyani Nagar resident who chose to remain anonymous explained how, as residents, they are all fed up with the political system because their opinions and complaints have been disregarded for quite a while. They added that they have attempted to get the authorities to do something about excessive noise and bar timings but so far, their efforts have gone in vain since they have never really followed through.
They expressed their anguish and said that they are sick of pleading for the enforcement of the law and preservation of their fundamental rights, and added that it was regrettable that these situations force law-abiding taxpayers to disassociate themselves from a basic responsibility that is essential for the functioning of a democracy.
Further they spoke about how they are responsible citizens working towards unity, not just pawns in a political game. They added that they might change their minds about abstaining from voting if the officials concerned can show that they are capable of protecting locals and attending to their concerns prior to the polls since it is high time that they prove they are deserving of the residents’ confidence and their votes.
Another person who lives in the vicinity spoke about the conditionality of not boycotting elections while remaining anonymous. They said that they will cast their votes so long as certain conditions are met. The authorities, they said, should take quick actions to prosecute law breakers, particularly those who are the enablers of problems such as noise pollution from bars or pubs, and the pubs ought to shut down by 1:30 am, while shutting off noise and loud music by 10 pm.
They emphasised how they want responsibility and action and not just hollow words. Lastly, they established that the residents will only cast votes if law and order is maintained and their concerns are heard.
