Guj villages boycott polls

Even as polling for 26 Lok Sabha constituencies began, three villages in Gujarat refrained from voting complaining that "local issues" were not solved.

Even as polling for 26 Lok Sabha constituencies began on Tuesday, at least three villages in Gujarat refrained from voting complaining that "local issues" were not solved.

HT Image

Voters in Anida village in Dhandhuka constituency refrained from voting, official sources said, adding an inquiry into the reasons has been entrusted to the Mamlatdar there.

"We have received reports that the people were not willing to come out and vote in Anida. An inquiry in this regard has been entrusted to the Mamlatdar and we are awaiting his reply", said District Development Officer (Ahmedabad) R N Joshi.

Nearly 1.42 lakh people out of 11.55 lakh in Dhandhuka constituency have excercised franchise and the turnout was estimated to be 13 per cent till 12 noon.

Official sources in Amreli consituency of Saurashtra said the residents of Jakodar and Rabari villages have also refrained from polling, complaining that political parties have totally neglected the local issues like constructing roads and providing electricity and drinking water.