Jangalmahal: Villagers show up in large numbers despite boycott calls

Villagers were divided over a vote boycott call given by the residents of the area during the first day of the phase I election in Jangalmahal on Monday.

Some residents of Sapurbera area at Bagmundi in Purulia had decided not to vote protesting against the poor roads and supply of drinking water. But the decision to call for a vote boycott divided the villagers when a large section of them raised their voice against the decision stating that the work for better roads have already been sanctioned and the work will start soon. On Monday morning the polling officers in the area received information that some people had decided not to turn up to the polling station to cast their votes. The officers rushed to the spot and tried to convince the villagers to exercise their power. But a group of people from the village, where around 300 people live, were not ready to listen to the officers and asked them to leave the village. Soon after the officers had left the place, another section of the villagers had decided to go against the vote boycott call. The situation turned worse when they tried to convince their neighbours that they must go to cast their votes. An altercation broke out between the two groups. A villager, who was against the move, said as far as he knows the construction of concrete road in the village will start soon. Thus the vote boycott call is baseless and everyone should exercise their power.