KHAMMAM: The Munugode assembly bypoll is helping farm labourers earn an additional income. More so for the women workforce. Parties pay them for participation in poll rallies with a view to ensuring strong mass presence.
Agricultural labourers complete the MGNREGS works before 10.30 am every day and make themselves available to political parties for election campaigns.
Rangavva, a farm labourer in Damera village under Choutuppal mandal said, “Being a poor, an additional income means a lot for us.”
The women labourers used to get Rs 100 to Rs 200 a day for the MGNREGS works. The payment under the scheme is based per cubic metre on earthen works. These workers were seen being brought to Choutuppal from Damera to take part in the campaign organised by a ruling party leader.
Yadamma, another woman of Damera said, “The leaders would come to our houses and ask us to take part in rallies. The leaders will transport us to the venue of the rally and drop us back in our village. We are paid `250 to `300 for five hours of participation.”
Laxmi of Damera village said, “I will do what I am told by one or other leader leading the rally and hold the flag given to me. It doesn’t matter which party or leader. What they give helps me to buy medicines and provisions. I also buy biscuits for my grandchildren.”
Congress leader in Khammam, RN Rao, said, “These farm labourers are not available at their houses when we knock on their doors as part of the party’s voters mapping exercise. We get to see them at their homes only after 10.30 am.”
