Odisha panchayat polls: 12 defy diktat by Maoists, file nominations

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Malkangiri, Jan 18:

In a clear win for democracy over left wing extremism (LWE), 12 candidates have filed their nominations for the forthcoming panchayat polls in Malkangiri’s cut-off area despite a call for poll boycott given by the CPI (Maoist).

These candidates defying diktat of the Maoists have filed nominations for Samiti Sabhya posts in five panchayats.

Sources said after due scrutiny of nomination papers by poll officials today, it was found that three have filed nominations from Badapada, one from Gajalmamudi, five from Papermetla, one from Ralegada and  two from Doliput panchayats under Kudumulugumma block in the cut-off area for the posts of Samiti Sabhya.

Even women candidates have filed nominations, the sources added.

“Hoping that Maoists will allow polling we have filed our nominations. Now we cannot say what they will tell later,” stated Narsingh Sindhri, a Samiti Sabhya candidate from Papermetla panchayat.

However, out of fear of the Maoists none have filed nominations for the posts of sarpanch and ward members at the panchayat offices, sources revealed.

The CPI (Maoist) had put up posters in the cut-off area of Kudumulugumma block in which the Malkangiri District Divisional Committee of the outlawed outfit had asked the tribals not to take part in the upcoming polls.

The members of the outlawed group also warned that those who will contest in the elections would face death punishment at praja court (people’s court).

The extremists had further warned that thumbs of those casting their votes would be chopped off.