PARADIP: Villagers in Jagatsinghpur district have found a novel way to air their grievances. They have threatened to boycott the forthcoming panchayat polls over lack of basic amenities in the villages.
Villagers of Kusupur panchayat under Balikuda block are aggrieved over non-electrification of many wards.
Similarly, villagers of Panditakotha village under Malhasahi panchayat in Kujang block are also protesting State Government’s apathy with electricity remaining a distant dream here. This despite the fact that crores of rupees have been sanctioned by both the Centre and the State for electrification of the coastal areas, the villagers alleged.
Village chief Damburudhar Jena said Rajiv Gandhi Rural Electrification Scheme was launched in the village a year back, but it is still incomplete due to alleged callous attitude of the contractors and officials.
The road connecting the village is also in a bad shape. They had approached the block officials and political leaders for construction of a new road but in vain.
Protesting the lackadaisical attitude of the Government, the villagers recently held an emergency meeting and decided to boycott the polls. They have also dispatched a letter to the Collector informing him about the decision.
Villagers of Parmanandapur of the same panchayat have decided not to vote after Ward No. 9 was tagged under Agapal revenue village. Village chief Ajay Mohanty said earlier their village was under Ward No 9, the decision to tag the ward under Agapal revenue village has created resentment among the locals.
Villagers of the sea-side Kusupur panchayat in Balikuda block without electricity and proper road links have also decided not to exercise their franchise.
On the other hand, the villagers of Ward No. 14 and 15 of Chapada village under Tirtol block have threatened to boycott the polls to protest the mismanagement of the endowment department of Gorekhnath temple.
Some villagers are on a hunger strike in front of the temple.