How a tiny village stands up to say no

Overnight, this village has become a talking point in the entire Panchayat electioneering process in this part of Western Uttar Pradesh. Although local politicians claim ignorance, they are treating the signals with caution.So much so that amid all the colour and the sound of campaigning in the region, Dhonkalpura remains quiet, bereft of any poltical activity.

Candidates do not dare to venture inside the village. “We do not want to take the law into our own hands. We are just an isolated small community in this block. But we will not allow our young generation to be spoiled by these local leaders,” says an agitated Rohtas Singh.

Interestingly, while its neighbouring villages grapple with the social problem of increasing alcoholism among youth, Dhonkalpura prides itself on its alcohol-free status. Villagers relate stories of how two years ago when a drunk youth had gone on a rampage in the village, he was beaten up and handed over to the police. “He was in lock-up for three days,” says resident Manish Singh. “This shows that we cannot tolerate alcoholism in our village.”

This is some achievement. Especially since in this predominantly agricultural belt with a high crime rate, there may not be schools but there’s no dearth of roadside liquor vends. And with elections on, scores of men enjoying free liquor is a common sight.

But Dhonkalwara is not taking any chances. Four village elders walked miles in the blazing sun to visit all contesting candidates. “We told them point blank that if they try to influence the village youth, we will not support them in this election and any future election,” says 76-year-old Jaganlal Singh.

“We are caught in a very difficult situation. If one candidate supplies one liquor pouch to the village youth, the other announces a throwaway deal of four. With hardly any work in the fields this season, the young boys are free and are being lured away by such temptations,” complains 65-year-old Malhan Singh.

“If they cannot provide our children with schools, why are they playing with their lives by serving them liquor. Who in a civilised society can tolerate this?,” asks Rohtas Singh. At least, a tiny village can’t.