Paralakhemundi,(Tarini Prasad Panda): In a glaring question mark over the delivery of democratic rights, scores of residents of remote Rubal village in Gajapati district are allegedly being denied their right to vote, with their names missing from the electoral rolls.
Located under Puralapani Gram Panchayat of R. Udayagiri block, Rubal is home to around 35-40 families. Several villagers, including people aged over 60, reportedly remain unable to exercise their franchise as their names do not figure in the voters’ list and they lack valid voter identity cards.
Villagers said some elderly residents had obtained voter identity cards as far back as 1995, when Rubal was under Sialilati Gram Panchayat. They used to cast their votes then. However, following the reorganisation of panchayats, the problem allegedly surfaced and has continued ever since.
What has aggravated the situation is the alleged exclusion of the younger generation as well. Several young men and women who have attained voting age are reportedly yet to find their names in the electoral rolls.
The villagers claim they have made repeated attempts to get the issue resolved, but have allegedly been caught in a bureaucratic maze. When they approach the Booth Level Officer (BLO), they are reportedly told that Rubal does not fall under his/her jurisdiction. When they approach election officials, they are allegedly directed back to the BLO, saying the matter falls under the latter’s responsibility.
Thus, the villagers’ constitutional right to vote appears to have become a casualty of an “it is not my responsibility” blame game.
Despite attempts to obtain the response of the concerned government officials, no official reaction was reportedly available.
The plight of Rubal stands in stark contrast to claims of seamless digital voter registration and correction facilities across the country. While technology promises easier access to electoral services, the residents of this remote hamlet allegedly continue to wait for years merely to have their names recorded in the voters’ list.
If every vote counts in a democracy, why have the votes of Rubal’s residents been left out? The villagers are now demanding accountability and immediate intervention from the administration.
