No Mobile Tower, No Election: Villagers In 5 Odisha Panchayats Boycott Polls

After the deadline for filing nominations for Odisha Panchayat polls ended today, the list of the total number of candidates in the fray for different posts is out. 

However, as many as five Panchayats have boycotted the forthcoming polls to elect representatives to various rural bodies.

Sukuru Barla, Panchayat Election Officer, Parposi, informed that not even a single nomination has been filed for Sarpanch, Samiti member or Ward member posts in five Panchayats (Parposi, Jharagogua, Jharmunda, Gandam, Dimirikuda) of Tileibani block in Deogarh district.

As per reports, the villagers have been facing information blockade due to lack of cellular connectivity in absence of mobile network. So, they had demanded the installation of a mobile tower in the region. 

The villagers had also earlier threatened to boycott the polls if the government did not pay heed to their demands ahead of the Panchayat elections in the State, beginning February 16.

Besides, the locals of the five Panchayats had earlier sent out a message across villages that they would oppose anyone filing nomination papers and also threatened to declare 'anti-Panchayat' to those who violated the call.

However, candidates from several political parties have reportedly filed nominations for Zilla Parishad zone.

Earlier, one Binita Kishan had filed nomination papers for the post of Sarpanch of Parposi Panchayat. However, she withdrew her papers within 24 hours fearing that she would be declared 'anti-Panchayat'.

"We have been facing mobile connectivity issues. Even though we apprised the local leaders of our problems, they never showed interest to address our cause. So, we have decided to boycott the Panchayat elections," said a resident of Parposi.