E-Paper
Lok Sabha elections 2019: Threat to boycott polls brings development to Moi village
Located 30 km from Pune city, Moi has a population of 6,500 and voter strength of 1,800.
A threat by the villagers of Moi in Pune district, to boycott the Lok Sabha polls because of delays to a much-promised road has led to positive action from the sitting member of parliament, Shivaji Adhalrao Patil (Shiv Sena).
Located 30 km from Pune city, Moi has a population of 6,500 and voter strength of 1,800.
Arun Phalke, sarpanch of the village, said that villagers had given an ultimatum to the politicians that if the road construction work did not begin before polling date, April 29, they would boycott the polls.
Gram panchayat member Rahul Gaware said the proposed road, 16 km in length, with 12- foot width, was important for the village as it would provide connectivity to the southern industrial belt of Khed taluka.
He said, “Although the central government sanctioned funds and the work order was issued, work did not begin. Frustrated by this delay, the village gram panchayat passed a resolution in the last week of March declaring a boycott of the Lok Sabha polls.
The Shirur constituency is witnessing a bitter electoral battle between Adhalrao Patil and popular Marathi actor Dr Amol Kolhe, fielded by the NCP.
“Yes we had decided to boycott the elections. However, a contractor arrived with machinery and began work, so we have withdrawn our decision,” Gaware said.
The appearance of the contractor on April 19, was followed by preliminary road construction work happening near Ambethan. “As per Adhalrao Patil’s commitment, the contractor has begun the ground levelling work,” Phalke said.
Adhalrao Patil said, “Yes, I have discussed this issue in detail with the villagers and had assured them that the construction work would begin before the elections. The central government has already released the funds and the contractor has begun the work. The technical issues will also be resolved.”
The village is primarily dependent on agriculture and milk production with sugarcane, groundnut, sorghum and wheat being the main crops. The young generation, however, is not keen on agricultural activities and are keen on employment in the MIDC area.
