WHILE THE entire country is gearing up for the upcoming general elections due next year, one secluded section of the society is simply indifferent to the major political event likely to take place this year in the country. Every five years, provided no major political turmoil upheaval occurs, the new government brings myriads of hopes and promises for the aam aadmi. But this hardly makes a difference to the people sheltering at Gandhi Kushathashram and Kushth Seva Sadan near Taj Mahal. They believe that no government would ever take up the cause of their upliftment.

 

“No one,” replied Budharam, a leper living at Gandhi Kushthashram, when he was asked about his preferred political party. “We are no more interested in knowing or predicting which party would come to power and which would be voted out. Because it is of no help to us,” he retorted.

 

Prior to elections, people in the electoral fray visit the inhabitants of the ashram often, but once they are over, these ill-fated people are ignored totally. The pitiable condition of lepers, who are struggling to recover their social dignity lost due to the disease, does not move them once the electoral candidates manage to make it to the power alleys.