Daijiworld Media Network - Margao

Margao, Apr 24: Though offered free transport, the Vanarmare tribe hiked two km on foot through the woods of Nirankal in Bethoda near Ponda to cast their first vote to elect their MP. However they voted for 2017 assembly elections after several attempts by social workers. This is their first vote for Lok Sabha election.

TOI quoted a panchayat member saying, “They are always like that. We had sent a vehicle to bring them to the polling station, but they preferred to take the pathway through the forest. Being forest dwellers, they prefer walking to any mode of modern transport.”

TOI quoted the headman of the tribe Gopal Pawar saying, “We have no preferences. What does it matter to us who wins or loses? But we voted, as we know, only then we will be heard by the powers that be.”

Vanarmares appeared pleased after casting votes. They were happy that all the candidates in the tussle rushed to their doorsteps asking for their votes.

“All of them have promised to help. We only hope they do, our immediate need is a roof over heads and electricity connection to help our children study at night. The 20-odd families live in 17 thatched huts, the roofs of which get blown away or destroyed during heavy rains. It will do them a world of good if they were provided with adequate material for erecting roof truss for 20 sheds and some asbestos cement sheets for roofing,” said Gopal Pawar to TOI after casting his vote.