Villagers at various places in Odisha did not cast their votes during the penultimate phase of polling for the Panchayat elections on Tuesday protesting lack of basic amenities and host of other issues in their localities.
As many as 332 voters from booth number 6 at Pakatamunda village under Kankadahada Block in Dhenkanal district decided not to exercise their franchise citing the non-fulfilment of their long standing demands by elected representatives.
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Though all arrangements were made by the presiding officer and polling staff at the booth, the voters reportedly didn’t turn up to cast their votes.
“We don’t have proper road, drinking water and mobile connectivity to our area. We have appraised the district administration of our problems several times, but those have fallen in deaf ears. We are boycotting the Panchayat polls this time to draw the attention of the district administration,” said an agitated villager.
Residents of Baripadar village under Papadahandi block in Nabarangpur district also boycotted the polls over similar isues.
“We don’t have proper drinking water and healthcare facilities in our area and the local administration has turned a blind eye towards our problems. We have lost faith in the democratic process and boycotting the Panchayat polls,” said a resident of Baripadar village.
As per reports, the villagers didn’t turn up for voting despite several requests made by Papadahandi BDO and polling officials.
Meanwhile, residents of Suri village under Kolnara Block in Rayagad district boycotted the Panchayat polls in protest against the shifting of a booth to another area.