Bhubaneswar: Several farmers are contesting both the Lok Sabha and assembly elections in the state with the aim to help their community and address issues overlooked by elected representatives. Though they don’t have the financial muscle to hold election rallies or big meetings, they hope to connect with the voters through door-to-door campaigning.
Suresh Majhi, a 41-year-old farmer from the Bahujan Mukti Party, is contesting from Lanjigarh assembly seat under Kalahandi Lok Sabha constituency as an Independent candidate.He has reported movable and immovable assets worth Rs 2.77 lakh. “Had the state govt or the Centre given justice to farmers, I would not have contested the election. Farmers in our constituency face difficulties due to delay in procurement of paddy. They do not get seeds and fertilisers in time. Hence, I entered electoral politics to solve our problems,” said Majhi.
Johon Mallick (48), a farmer of Gajapati district, is contesting from Mohana assembly seat. He has Rs 50,000 cash in hand and Rs 500 in a bank account. He does not have immovable assets. Manas Lokshakti Dal has supported his candidature.
“Though the state govt is doing many good things, it still cannot solve some issues. Farmers are neglected the most. Govt should answer why farmers are dying by suicide. Govt schemes, plans and programmes are not reaching people like us. I will be the candidate for those people and fight the election with their help,” said Mallick.
Prakash Hikaka (49), another farmer, is the CPI (ML) Liberation candidate for Koraput Lok Sabha constituency. He has assets worth Rs 1,48,700, including a tin house. There is enough water for industries, but farmers struggle to get it. Farmers face several problems,” said Hikaka.

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