In CM KCR’s home turf Gajwel, some in dilemma on who to vote

Gajwel: A large group of people displaced by the Mallanna Sagar Reservoir, claimed to be the biggest artificial water reservoir in India, are in a deep dilemma as to who to cast their vote on November 30 as they are irked with the ruling dispensation over prolonged delay in receiving compensation despite almost three years passing since the evacuation of eight submerged villages.

The 6,800 affected families were relocated to the Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R&R) Colony located at Mutraj Palli near Gajwel. The colony was set up in 2021 and now there are over 11,000 eligible voters whom the political parties are wooing with a promise to pay the pending compensation and rehabilitation package.

There is a massive discontent among residents of R&R colony against BRS supremo and chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), who is seeking third consecutive win in Gajwel assembly segment. KCR’s former colleague and BJP MLA Etala Rajender, and Congress’ Thumkunta Narsa Reddy are in fray to defeat the CM.

Upset over delay in receiving compensation, one of the oustees of Mallanna Sagar project, Indra Reddy from Pamulaparthi village is also in the poll race in Gajwel against Rao. A total of 44 candidates are contesting from here.

Asked about the mood of the residents of R&R colony, Etigaddakistapur village sarpanch Pratap Reddy said: “In the election campaign, all political parties are promising to address our grievances but people have lost faith. It’s been three years that we have shifted to R&R colony, neither the CM has come to see us nor have we been able to reach him to discuss our problems. People are in a dilemma who to vote for.”