Deprived of basic facilities, scores of people of Bahubandha area under Udala constituency in Mayurbhanj district on Saturday announced to boycott the election which is currently underway. The locals alleged that they decided to boycott the polls as the Odisha government failed to fulfil its promises made to them when they were evicted from Similipal Sanctuary area.
It is pertinent to mention here that several families from Janumagad area were evicted from Similipal Sanctuary and rehabilitated at another place were evicted in 2015. As per sources, around 40 families had to leave their homes during that period and were rehabilitated at Bahubandh colony.
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The displaced people alleged that they are forced to boycott the polls as the promises made by the Odisha government have not been fulfilled so far. Though police officials and BJD candidate Srinath Soren reached the spot and held discussion with the agitators, they remain adamant on their demands.
“We are rehabilitated at Bahubandh and the government had promised financial assistance, houses and other basic amenities. But no such promise has been fulfilled yet,” said an agitator.
Meanwhile, the district administration officials could not be contacted over the allegations made by the demonstrators.
(By Rabindra Nayak)