Villagers threaten poll boycott to protest Govt apathy

Surjit Kumar Dhal,Dhenkanal, April 17: Hundreds of villagers of Durgaprasad have threatened to boycott polls expressing resentment over alleged Government apathy over declaring their village under Beltikiri Grampanchyat a revenue village.

They have put up banners at the entrance to the village, under Sadar Block, in this regard.

For the last few days the villagers have been criticizing the district administration and raising slogans for its failure to provide revenue village status to the village.

The village has a population of about 2,000 and 990 voters.

They recently held a meeting and decided to boycott the polls to be held in the third phase.

Madhavnanda Kar , a villager , said a representation was sent to district administration which is under consideration of  Government for years.

They alleged the district administration is not pursing  the issue at Government level.

They allege as there is no revenue status, they are unable to mention their village status in Government documents and development initiatives have taken a backseat.

However, Government officials have visited the village to persuade the villagers about administrative efforts in this regard.

The villagers are however, adamant.

Meanwhile no political party or candidates entered the village for campaigning nor any posters and banners were allowed to be displayed in the village as the villagers oppose entry of political parties.