Shivamogga/Chikkamagaluru: The authorities in Malnad region are now facing a new headache. The residents of some remote villages are using the election time to highlight their problems, especially related to basic infrastructure by announcing boycott of polls. With officials been given the task to ensure highest voter turnout on the polling day, they are left with no option but to find a solution to the issues raised by the villagers.This year, the first election boycott was announced by the residents of Modalamane village in Koppa taluk. However, it was resolved on the intervention of revenue and the police officers. Now, in Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru districts, residents of atleast five villages have announced a poll boycott. What made their announcement more serious is that all are demanding only two facilities—good roads and drinking water supply.According to the authorities in Shivamogga district, residents of Malavalli tanda in Shikaripura have threatened to boycott polls. In Chikkamagaluru district, the boycott is announced by the residents of Mahaveer road in Kalasa, Lakshmipura, Undadihalli, and Ambale villages. All the villages are in Chikkamagaluru taluk.According to Raghavendra Jogihalli, a resident of Malavalli tanda, the poll boycott has been given to raise voice against the drinking water woes faced by the tanda residents. Similarly, in Chikkamagaluru district, a poll boycott is given demanding early repair of the roads.According to the authorities, whenever they learn about the poll boycott, they send senior officers to look into the issue and convince the villagers to withdraw from it. Speaking to TOI, KA Dayananda, deputy commissioner, Shivamogga said the officers will hold a meeting with the locals and try to find a solution.“But we always tell the villagers that it is their right to vote which will be the real solution for their problems. They can use their right to get a solution. Many of these problems need policy interventions which can be done through the elected representatives,” he said.“Generally, the voters will not pursue their boycott seriously. Once we approach them, they withdraw the call,” he said.

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