In protest against the administration’s negligence over infrastructure development and failed assurance of political leaders, a village in Asanboni panchayat under Potka block in East Singhbhum district has decided to stay away from rural polls to be held on December 12.
According to information, there are about 389 voters at Chatro village in Asanboni panchayat. They took out a rally on Wednesday and decided against going to their polling booth (booth number 13) at Utkramit Prathmik Vidyalaya in Chatro to show their protest against administration apathy in construction of a connecting road between Chatro to Asanboni despite repeated remands and submission of memorandums.
“Seven after seven decades of Independence, we are yet to have a better road to our panchayat. Despite assurances, no one has bothered to pay heed to our crisis. It would be better if we work in our paddy field instead of wasting time by standing in queue to cast vote at booth,” said a farmer. He said that the villagers have been denied basic amenities and are reeling under crisis.
Nikta Mandal, a panchayat samity member from Asanboni panchayat said that every month, 1 or 2 expecting mothers die while going to hospital for delivery. The nearest hospital is 15 km a private hospital of Uranium Corporation of India limited at Jadugora but due to the poor road condition it takes nearly an hour to reach there. As it is a private hospital poor villagers are not in a position to afford treatment there and the nearest government hospital is Sadar Hospital (at Khasmahal in Parsudih) which is nearly 30 km from the village but the shabby ride on the road connecting village to the Tata-Jadugora road takes a toll on life of expecting mothers.
The villagers in order to reach Jamshedpur have to depend on train route to reach Jamshedpur which takes nearly one and half hours. Another villager said that villagers had met Potka MlA Meneka Sardar and other administration officials several times but so far have only met with assurance.
“We have decided not to vote but if the deputy commissioner, Amitabh Kaushal gives a written assurance of construction of road to our village before the polls will change our decision,” said villager.
Meanwhile, Potka block development officer Mrityunjay Kumar, expressed ignorance about the decision of the villager to boycott rural polls. “We are not aware of any such plans of the villagers. However, we will definitely take action as per law for construction of road if the villagers lodge a complaint with us,” claimed Kumar.
When asked about the security arrangements a police official, said that the police will ensure free and smooth elections process. The district has also sought sufficient number of forces from the Government to main law and order. Police sources informed that they are keeping a vigil on the movements of the ultras and the drive of Maoists will not dampen the spirits of the candidates of all the political parties in the region in any fray.