Despite efforts by the officials to convince residents to participate in the Gram Panchayat elections, no nomination papers have been filed in Hunsagi Gram Panchayat in Surpur taluk of Yadgir district till May 22, which was the last date to file nominations and decision to boycott all elections continued.
People of Hunsagi, who wanted to see the upgrading of their Gram Panchayat to Town Municipal Council, decided to boycott all elections when State government upgraded neighbouring Kakkera and Kembhavi Gram Panchayats in Surpur taluk recently.
Hunsagi Gram Pacnhayat, including Hunsagi tanda and Devapur (J) villages, has 39 members and total population, according to 2011 census, was 14, 795.
When there was no nomination filed till May 20, the District Administration sent a team of officials headed by Assistant Commissioner of Yadgir Sub-Division Durgesh Rudraksha and Surpur Tahasildar, Arun Kumar Kulkarni to convince the residents. But, the villagers turned down their request.
“We would continue with the decision of boycotting all election not only for Gram Panchayat but also for upcoming all elections until the demand was fulfilled” Naganna Dandin, President of Hunsagi Purasabhe Horata Samiti, has told The Hindu on Friday.
Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer, Manoj Jain, has said that district administration has made all efforts to participate the people in the election. However, people’s decision of boycotting elections demanding up-gradation of GP was continued. Hence, a report would be sent to the government for further action.