Deprived of basic amenities, villagers decide to boycott polls

The negligence of the elected representatives in providing basic facilities has forced the residents of Changadi village under Kuratti Hosuru gram panchayat limits in the taluk, to boycott the upcoming Assembly polls.

There are 100 houses in Changadi, with a population of 450 people. People here are deprived of drinking water supply, adequate power supply, hospital and roads. The villagers, in association with Raitha Sangha, had staged a protest, blocking the road, recently. As there was no response to their protest, they have decided to boycott the polls.

The residents had also boycotted the Zilla and Taluk panchayat elections earlier, hoping to draw the attention of those concerned. But the people’s representatives were not bothered and no measure was taken to solve their issues.

The residents have been demanding the district administration to lay roads for several years.

There is no health care centre. In case of medical emergency, the residents have to travel 22 km to reach the health centre at Koudalli. There are many incidents of pregnant women delivering babies en route to the hospital.

Jayamma of the village said that the leaders are not bothered about losing the votes.

“We had staged protests at Hanur, seeking facilities. The elected representatives, who visit the village during the election do not return after it is over. Why should we cast our vote, when they are not bothered about the welfare of the residents?” she asked.

Polluted water

The open well on the outskirts of the village is the only water source for the residents. Though the water is filled with algae, not fit for drinking, the residents have no other option.

The only school in the village has classes only up to 4th standard.

If they have to pursue the 5th standard, the students have to travel 15 km to Kuratti Hosuru village. As the parents are not comfortable sending their wards so far, to school, most of them are sent to work as labourers.

Village leaders Munigowda, Basavaraju and others opined that as the leaders who get elected with their votes do not bother to return the favour by providing basic amenities, so, they have decided to boycott the polls.