The villagers of Banipali and Tabalbanji in loisingha block have decided to boycott the forthcoming panchayat elections, protesting against the reorganisation of their panchyat and inclusion of it in the newly formed Banipali panchyat.
“Earlier we were in Ratakhandi gram panchayat (GP). But after the reorganisation of the panchyat, Tabalbanji village has been included in Banipali panchyat. The villagers have to walk around 12 km through forest and mountainous road to cast their vote which is cumbersome,” rued a local villager.
Similarly, Dandapani village has been included in Banipali panchyat and the locals have to travel 2 km from their village to vote, points out a villager.
“Earlier, we had submitted our petition to the District Collector protesting against the reorganisation of the panchyat. But as nothing happened, we have decided to boycott the panchyat election this time,” said a local resident.
“We submitted a petition to the Collector today also,” he said further.