Surwal Villagers Threaten Election Boycott Over Proposed Polling Station Relocation
Residents of Surwal village in Sawai Madhopur have submitted a memorandum to officials, demanding their long-standing polling station remain unchanged.
Sawai Madhopur. Tensions have escalated in the Surwal village of the Sawai Madhopur assembly constituency following reports that the local polling station might be relocated. Expressing deep dissatisfaction with the potential change, a large delegation of villagers, including local community leaders and youth, traveled to the district headquarters on Friday to voice their opposition directly to the administration.
The residents formally submitted a memorandum to the Cabinet Minister and the District Collector, urging them to maintain the polling booth at its current, long-established location. The villagers emphasized that the existing site is geographically convenient and has served the community effectively for years. They argued that the current setup ensures accessibility for all, particularly for elderly residents, women, and voters with disabilities who might struggle if the facility is moved further away.
During the meeting with officials, the villagers expressed frustration that the administration would consider altering a system that is already functioning without issues. They highlighted that any shift would impose an unnecessary burden on the local population, potentially discouraging voter turnout. The community leaders stressed that the current location is central and familiar, making it the most practical choice for the democratic process.
The delegation issued a firm warning to the authorities, stating that if their demand to keep the polling station at its original site is ignored, the entire village will boycott the upcoming elections. They maintained that every citizen deserves the right to cast their vote without facing logistical hurdles created by administrative changes. The villagers are now awaiting a formal written assurance or an official order from the district administration to confirm that the polling station will remain in its current location.
The protest saw a significant turnout of local representatives and residents who stood in solidarity to protect their voting rights. They have appealed to the district administration to respect the sentiments of the local population and prioritize the convenience of the voters when making decisions regarding election infrastructure. The community remains firm in its stance, hoping for a swift and favorable resolution to avoid any disruption in the democratic process.
