In a powerful act of protest, nearly 35 families residing in the 'S Valavu Laksham Veedu Colony' within Ward 15 of Paipra panchayat, Ernakulam, have declared they will not vote in the upcoming local body elections. Their decision is a stark response to what they describe as decades of neglect by successive administrations, which have failed to address their crumbling living conditions.
A Colony on the Brink: Five Decades of Decay
The colony, home to around 80 registered voters who are primarily daily wage labourers, consists of cramped residential blocks constructed nearly five decades ago. Each unit is divided into two, forcing two families to share a single, fragile structure. Residents state that these buildings are now on the verge of collapse and have seen no meaningful renovation despite repeated promises from elected representatives across both the LDF and UDF administrations.
Their message is displayed publicly for all to see. Posters and flex boards across the colony announce the election boycott. One board reads, "No longer will we fall for alluring promises," detailing the deplorable state of the houses in the colony, formerly part of the 18th ward and now in the 15th ward of Paipra panchayat.
Lives Shaped by Neglect: Social Stigma and Financial Drain
The impact of this neglect extends far beyond mere inconvenience, deeply affecting residents' social lives and futures. Anwar Sadiq, a resident, expressed collective frustration, stating, "Many promises were made but none were realised. We are fed up with electoral politics. This is a high-revenue panchayat, yet nothing was done for people like us."
The financial and social toll is severe. Russel Musthafa Puthanpurayil, a carpenter, revealed that most of his earnings are spent on maintaining his crumbling house, yet it remains dilapidated. He highlighted profound social consequences: "Girls of marriageable age are unable to find alliances because of the state of these houses. Even men are rejected." The living conditions are so dire that during the last rites of a family member, neighbours' permission is needed due to a lack of proper space.
A Final Plea: Boycott as a Cry for Dignity
Fear of the structures collapsing has driven some families to leave, opting to rent homes elsewhere. As election day approaches, the decision by these 35 families to abstain from voting transcends a simple refusal. It is a concerted plea to be seen and heard—a demand for the basic dignity of safe and liveable housing.
Their boycott stands as a stark reminder to political representatives that the needs of the most vulnerable cannot be ignored indefinitely. The residents of S Valavu are using their only remaining leverage—their vote—to demand accountability and action after half a century of broken promises.
