Keonjhar: Despite being a part and parcel of democracy, aggrieved villagers in several parts of the state boycotted the phase-III polls Tuesday. Citing absence of basic facilities, villagers refused to exercise their franchise.
In Keonjhar, Kenheigola and Ranipada, villagers refused to cast their votes under the Telkoi Assembly seat. The villagers mentioned unavailability of drinking water, roads and other basic amenities over their discontentment.
The absence of bridge on Brahmani river was also one of the major issues. They added that their areas have been devoid of development for several years due to which they have boycotted the polls. Due to this, booths 246 and 247 saw very less crowd.
UNADDRESSED ISSUES
- In villages of Keonjhar, Kenheigola and Ranipada, locals complained of unavailability of drinking water and road access
- The absence of bridge on Brahmani river was also one of the major issues in the Telkoi Assembly seat
- Booths 246 and 247 in Telkoi saw a few voters
- Three booths in Kuchinda recorded no polling
Similarly, the villagers of Bamandagarh, Lepeikani and Parangamal under Kuchinda Assembly constituency in Sambalpur district also decided to remain absent from casting their votes expressing discontent over several issues. Three booths in Kuchinda recorded no polling.
Similarly, deprived of basic facilities, the tribals at Gohiripada under the block in Bhadrak district warned of boycotting the elections scheduled April 29 in the fourth phase.
The tribal hamlet lacks road connectivity and a tube well. Scores of elderly people are out of the social security coverage while the landless and the poor people have not been provided land pattas.
“We have been suffering a lot in the absence of a road and safe drinking water in our village,” an elderly villager lamented.
The villagers alleged that though the BJD has ruled the state for 19 years, the government has not paid any heed to their problems.
Welfare schemes are a dream for many tribal residents.
Villagers including Narayan Murmu, Budhiram Tudu, Durge Hembram, Suka Besra, Durgadhar Munda, Parbati Murmu and Bhima Munda warned of boycotting the election.
