Chennai
Residents of tribal hamlets in Pungampattu and Nellivasal Nadu, located in Tamil Nadu’s Tirupathur district, have decided not to participate in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Maniyaappan, a villager from Pungampattu, highlighted the lack of proper infrastructure like roads and schools, which forces children to navigate dense forests just to reach school. Frustrated by what they see as empty promises made during every election cycle, they have chosen to boycott this time.
Banners urging political parties to refrain from seeking votes have been put up in these remote villages, reflecting the villagers’ discontent. Karuppammal, from Pungampattu Nadu, stressed that their demands include better access to education and basic facilities.
The villagers, comprising around 17,000 voters from 32 tribal hamlets, have collectively decided to abstain from voting. Lack of infrastructure, including roads and transportation, makes access to healthcare and essential supplies a challenge. Veeramani, from Pudur Nadu, explained the difficulties faced due to the terrain, including the inability to access ration shops during the monsoon season.
These challenges, coupled with ongoing grievances, have led the villagers to opt out of the electoral process as a form of protest against the persistent neglect of their needs.
