Though the filing of nominations was over on Tuesday amidst much enthusiasm, people of five panchayats of Angul district have boycotted the democratic process.
But the other side of the story is the people took this drastic step for the first time as they continue to be deprived of basic necessities of life like safe drinking water, primary healthcare and better transportation facilities.
The panchayats which boycotted the rural polls are Talmul, Talmul Sasan, Hanumanpara of Kaniha block, Gopalprasad of Talcher and Dimiria panchayat of Pallahara. However, the people of Talmul vent their ire due to the proposed dumping yard at Phulpada. They oppose it fearing the environmental hazards.
However, the district administration clarified that that the dumping yard is being constructed as per the guidelines of the National Green Tribunal (NGT). Besides, it is one kilometre away from the village. But the people are not satisfied with such clarifications and appealed to the
the administration to inform the State Election Commission that they will cast their votes in the second phase.