Elections are now underway in our neighborhood as well. Leaders now come door to door to garner votes by making various promises. The leaders who have won the election never return to understand the joys and sorrows.

How many complaints and to whom should we complain? We are tired of saying our own thing. We don't have time to listen to them. That's why they behave like gods when they come to ask for votes. They don't look back after winning. After the election, local people's representatives and ministers behave rudely. Such people's representatives and ministers are still in my memory.

After my husband passed away, I did the same job for a while and raised my children. Now, I can't cut bamboo and bring it to make bamboo sticks. I am about to turn 68 now. There is a hut on the side of the road in Chinnamasta Rural Municipality-5 under the Rajbiraj-Tilathi road section. I have voted many times sitting in this hut. I still remember leaving all my work and standing in line to vote. I voted for many leaders in the hope that this hut would change. I even sent them after winning. How many people became not only MPs, but also ministers. The situation of the leaders changed, not the people. Meanwhile, people who used to ride bicycles in the village started riding in cars. Those who had thatched houses built palaces. But, we are where we are.

I see people riding on this road and becoming public representatives. But, no one cares about the poor. It has been 8 years since my husband passed away. When I was a husband, we used to make bamboo sticks (dhakiya), nanglo, tapri, and kuniya and sell them during festivals. At that time, my husband used to work hard and make bamboo products. The next day, we would sell those items and make a living.

After my husband passed away, I did the same job for a while and raised my children. Now I can't cut bamboo and make choya. After contracting pneumonia last November, I can't do heavy work. I couldn't go to the hospital for a few days, so I stayed at home. After saving money, I reached Biratnagar for treatment. By the time I reached the hospital, I was already in a critical condition. That's why I have incurred a debt of 1.5 lakh rupees while being admitted to the ICU for treatment. I barely survived. Since I don't have any income, I am struggling to feed my sons. My five sons run the family by working as wage laborers. Since they don't get wages, I have seen them and their children sleep hungry for many nights. My life is going on as usual. The old age allowance that I get every four months is used to buy rice, vegetables, greens, salt, oil, spices and other food items, as well as soap and detergent. When it is not enough, I make do with it. I have two pigs now. I have to get up in the morning and feed the pigs. Since I became ill, my body shakes when I walk. The doctor has suggested that I pay attention to my diet. However, I will choose what I eat. I will sell the pigs when they grow up. I will earn a little extra money from that. I have made up my mind to buy a new saree with the money I earn at that time. I will buy an expensive saree worth up to four thousand. It has been a long time since I have worn a new saree. I have a big dream of wearing a new saree before I die.