SONBHADRA: The remains of the fort of Chandela dynasty rulers stands tall along the Sone river in Obra, an assembly seat reserved for the Scheduled Tribe category.
For those willing to explore parts of the fort situated on the mountain top, visiting the temple of Ajeya Kali is a must.
During election season, all candidates have paid a visit to the temple to seek the deity’s blessings and become ‘Ajeya’ (unconquerable).
While the candidates – Sunil Gond (SP), Subhash Kharwar (BSP), Sanjeev Gond (BJP) and Ramraj Gond (Congress) – are sweating it out, locals, including Dalits, seem to have made up their minds.
Interestingly, for many voters, the one who is ‘ajeya’ is not even contesting the elections. “I will vote for the one I like,” remarks Seema with a pleasant smile, while her family participates in a ‘katha’ at the temple. Meandering through a series of hints like “the one who stood with us during the pandemic”, “the one who built toilets for us”, and “the one who is building houses for us”, she finally says, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi”.
A member of Harijan community, Seema admits that she had been voting for ‘Behenji’ (Mayawati) in the past.
Ramdai, a middle-aged widow from the same community, also vouches for ‘lotus’ (BJP’s poll symbol). She has also got a house and is getting pension. “Modi badhiya hain (Modi is the best),” she replies when asked about her choice. While the shift in committed BSP voters is startling, the fact that they seem to have matured is a bigger change. Asked to comment on the reason behind the shift, Ramjas says: “Because I don’t want to waste my vote. My party has fielded someone who may lose.” Another voter, Rajani, says: “Behenji is my idol but it seems that she is making half-hearted efforts.” According to Phullu, another voter from the constituency, it is a matter of pure choice as to whom to vote. Temple priest Atul Tewari says that the area is known for the love story of Lorik Veer, who won his beloved after a fierce battle with the rulers, and remained ‘ajeya’ all his life.
“Over the past few elections, Modi has been ‘ajeya’ in this region. Whether the tradition continues or not, we will get to know on March 10,” he adds.
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