by B. R. GOWANI
Bad foundation: “Just building people toilets doesn’t mean they’ll use them. More crucial and challenging is inducing communal behavioural change.” Banjari, a resident of a village in Janjgir-Champa district, went into deep debt to construct a toilet. PHOTO/K. R. Deepak/The Hindu
the 2019 election, two years away, has to be won
by then, Modi’s ODF mission must be over and done
at least, something should be there for people to see
before their hearts are bombarded with a vote plea
most poor people are stuck in situations beyond their control
debt, unemployment or dangerous jobs – the usual fate of prole
condition of people in Janjgir-Champa district is different not
plus, government blackmailing for sharing ODF cost is their lot
under Clean India Mission, Modi wants every Indian to toilet use
instead of defecating outside in open under the eyes of god Zeus
the means used to accomplish this goal are not ethical or right
the regime is totally inconsiderate of the wretched people’s plight
build toilets or your mud kutcha houses would be pulled down
is how the government threatens people without getting any frown
many villagers are told that their families’ration cards will be repealed
if that happens, the villagers’ only food supply would be sealed
toilet-less women were shamed when out to relieve at night
their water jugs were knocked down showing the regime’s might
a restaurateur was told that her relieving photos will be taken
which will be posted on the internet – she was badly shaken
this simple fact is to be accepted that force and threats work
the bully is pleased but the victim sees her future totally murk
in Malkharoda, everyone has a toilet as per government decree
debt incurred, interest to be paid, and worries are the toilet fee
B. R. Gowani can be reached at brgowani@hotmail.com