Farmers of three Assembly constituencies have declared poll boycott, expressing disillusionment with political parties over the failure to implement Badethalavu canal project here.
Putting up a unified front, farmers of Bargur, Vepanahalli, and Krishnagiri Assembly constituencies, organised under the banner of Badethalavu Kaalvai Thittam Vivasaya Payanaligal Kuzhu, declared their decision in a public hearing held on Thursday. The decision has come after the interest groups toyed with the idea of extracting a written commitment from each of contesting candidates in all the three blocks that would benefit from the Scheme.
The irrigation project envisions filling up of the Badethalavu lake, locally known as the Periya Eri, from river Thenpennai, by harvesting the run-off. The project has already gained talking points with parties vying to make that as a poll promise.
Vijaya Kumar, convenor, Badethalavu Kaalvai Thittam Vivasaya Payanaligal Kuzhu, said the farmers were unified in their decision. “Farmers have lost faith in any party since the project has been in discussion for the last 15 years and will be promised during every election.”
According to him, it is likely that voter turnout in over 7 booths will be affected significantly, and a 100 per cent boycott is expected in at least 4 booths. Orappam, Kadinayanapalli, and Kammampalli would be affected, Mr.Vijaya Kumar said.
For now, farmers have decided to campaign for a poll boycott in the respective panchayats. A total of 31 panchayats are seen to benefit from the project if implemented. While over 400 farmers had participated in the public hearing, over 200 farmers representing their respective panchayats have signed the declaration of poll boycott.
