Pics by : Jeevan D'costa

Daijiworld Media Network - Kaup (JD)

Kaup, Apr 2: Members of the public of the first ward of Kattingeri under the Moodubelle grama panchayat have called for a boycott of the elections demanding repairs of their roads among other basic amenities.

A meeting of the local voters was held on Tuesday, April 2, at Kattingeri anganawadi where the voters collectively decided to boycott the Lok Sabha elections. 

Shivaji Suvarna, former president of CA bank and leader said, "For many years voters of Kattingeri ward one were demanding for road repair works. It is an important road for connectivity. It can also be considered as a ring road connecting four prominent areas. A bus was also pressed into service but after the collapse of a bridge on this road the bus service was discontinued. Along with this the protests pertain to water connection, streetlights and other issues. After the earlier meeting we have brought our decision to the notice of the election officers, deputy commissioner and other top officials. We also met DC and have brought the issue to her notice as well. Thus now we have decided to boycott the 2024 elections and also all the upcoming elections will also be boycotted."

Ranjani, a grama panchayat member addressing the gathering said, "This road held very much prominence as it was used by the public and especially by the students. The bus service has been discontinued for the past four years. At present we are using an auto and private vehicles but with the next monsoon this will also stop due to the bad roads. This is a moment to uphold our unity and boycott the elections."

Mahesh Hegde, a native of Kattingeri and active social worker said, "Voting is a fundamental right of every citizen. If we are ready to sacrifice this right then just think how much pained we are. The decision is a collective one. I have personally done the estimate of the bridge and submitted it to the departments concerned but no progress has been made. This is a moment of pain and not rejoicing."

The two minor bridges on this prominent roads were completely damaged a few years ago. Even after repeated requests to the people's representatives there were no fruitful major works undertaken. The villagers have also met the DC of Udupi district and have conveyed their problems. The road is also filled with potholes and is unmotorable.