Odisha Panchayat Polls 2nd Phase: Villagers In Malkangiri’s Red Corridor Don’t Turn Up For Voting

Voters of Baribeda area in Malkangiri’s Bonda Ghati did not turn up to exercise their franchise during the second phase polling of the three-tier Panchayat elections on Friday.

As per reports, Baribeda voters boycotted the election process as the booth for polling was reportedly set up 25 kilometres away from their village at Mudilipada due to security reasons on account of the threats issued by the Maoist to boycott the polls.

The polling booth wore a deserted look due to the absence of voters. Only the polling officials were present with full preparation, but a single voter didn’t turn up for voting, much to their dismay. Even the polling agents were missing on the spot.

“The booth is far away from our village and it’s not possible to cover such a large distance to cast vote in Mudulipada. The government has set up the booth at a faraway place, but no arrangement has been made for the transportation of the voters to the booth. Therefore, we had no option but to abstain from voting,” said a local.

On the other hand, the presiding officer at the booth sounded hopeful that people would come to the booth late for voting.

“The booth is far away from the village. Besides, it’s too cold here. As per earlier records, people in these areas often come to the booth late to exercise their franchise. We expect that polling will take place in the afternoon,” said the presiding officer.