Mayurbhanj: Despite widespread awareness to cast vote, as many as 450 voters of three villages in Mayurbhanj district refrained from exercising their adult franchise during the fourth phase of general elections in Odisha on Monday alleging delay in construction of bridge in their area.
Hundreds of residents of Balama, Talabalama and Madakami villages in Kundabai panchayat under Udala Assembly constituency have been demanding the construction of a bridge on nearby Deo River but they have alleged that their pleas have fallen on deaf ears.
The protesting villagers boycotted the general polls which were being conducted in their panchayat yesterday.
Asked about the incident, Sita Mahali, a local resident said, "We are having a harrowing time dealing with our daily communication needs while crossing the river. Be it carrying a pregnant woman or patient across the river, or even helping out school children through the stream, it has become quite difficult for us due to absence of a bridge. The condition becomes worse during rains when we are cut off from the world."
No comments could be obtained from local administrative officials over the issue.