Bhubaneswar, April 7 (IANS) Thousands of forest dwellers and tribals in Odisha have threatened to boycott the assembly and Lok Sabha polls to protest the government's apathy towards them, officials said Monday.
The outlawed Communist Party of India-Maoists has also put up posters urging people to boycott the polls in four southern districts of Koraput, Rayagada, Kalahandi and Kandhamal where balloting will be held April 10.
At least 10,000 tribal voters in Kandhamal district have announced they will not vote this time because they have been deprived of basic facilities like roads, electricity, education, drinking water and health care, a senior district polling official told IANS.
These voters live in Kandhamal Lok Sabha constituency and Phulbani assembly constituency area, he said.
Similarly, member of the Konda Reddy community who live in the state's Maoist-hit Malkangiri district have put up posters at various places announcing the boycott of the polls as the government is yet to give them tribal status.
"They have announced this by putting up posters in their region," District Superintendent of Police Akhileswar Singh told IANS.
Malkangiri will also go to polls April 10.
The Konda Reddy community also boycotted the polls in 2009 general elections, he said.
About 25,000 people of the community live in the state, while another lakh of them stay across the border in Andhra Pradesh where they are recognised as a tribal community.
An official with the state's election office said the concerned districts have been directed to create awareness among the voters so that they come out in large number and exercise their franchise.
Polling for 21 Lok Sabha seats from Odisha and the 147-member state assembly would be simultaneously held April 10 and 17.
'Despite Delhi drubbing, BJP-Akali Dal vote-share improved'
Chandigarh, Feb 11 (IANS) Despite the drubbing of the Bharatiya Janata Party and alliance partner Shiromani Akali Dal in the Delhi assembly poll results, the BJP and Akali Dal had, in fact,
'Make in India' theme of Aero India 2015
New Delhi, Feb 9 (IANS) 'Make in India' will be the theme for the Aero India show this year, the defence ministry said Monday.Topping the list of participant countries was the US, with 64 companies
Stray Dogs: The Supreme Court is strict on the issue of stray dogs in Delhi, and refuses to hear the petition against the notification of MCD
The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to hear the petition immediately, which challenged the notification issued by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) regarding the capture of stray dogs. The
IND vs AUS: Australian team announced for the last two Tests against India, McSweeney out, these 4 players replaced
The Australian cricket team has made several changes to its team for the fourth and fifth Tests against India to be held in Melbourne and Sydney. These include the name of opener Nathan McSweeney, who
GIS 2023: 15 thousand crore investment proposal received from Sweden, will also invest in Film City
Industrial Development Minister Nand Gopal Gupta Nandi and PWD Minister Jitin Prasad, who went to Sweden for a roadshow, have received investment proposals worth more than 15 thousand crores in
Swine flu toll rises in Bengal
Kolkata, Feb 20 (IANS) An eight-year-old patient has died due to swine flu here, taking the toll to three in West Bengal, an official said Friday."He was the last of the critical patients and was on
IND vs SA: India did not lose the T20 series in South Africa, Surya's army faces a tough challenge; Know the record
The Indian cricket team was welcomed traditionally on its arrival in South Africa. India has to start its campaign with the first T20 match of three matches on 10th December. This is the format of
Heavy Rain in Delhi-Noida: Roads flooded due to rain, and heavy traffic jams on many routes; These pictures of Delhi-NCR will surprise you
Heavy Rain in Delhi- Heavy rain in NCR caused heavy waterlogging on the roads. Due to heavy waterlogging on many routes, people's vehicles also got submerged in water.
UGC: Recognition of colleges will now be canceled if the rules of refund of fees are not followed, written order is issued for strict action
If the rules of refund fees are not followed, now the recognition of colleges will be cancelled. All types of grants given to them will be given rakes. Also, the state governments will take action
Bengal Chunav Hinsa: PM Modi expresses concern over violence in Bengal after election results, talks to Governor over phone
The phase of violence has continued since the results of the assembly elections in Bengal. BJP houses and party offices of alleged BJP activists are being vandalized and arson in different areas.
