Scattered but determined, Wayanad survivors vote at relocated booths

Kozhikode: The survivors of Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslide, whose homes and polling stations were decimated by the disaster, proved that their democratic voice had not diminished. These people, who are now scattered across Wayanad in temporary homes, cast their votes at Chooralmala and the relocated Mundakkai booth at Meppadi. This would also be their last vote in their native wards as most would move to the township in Kalpetta or other rehabilitation housing projects before next elections.As Vellarmala GHSS, once home to the booths of Chooralmala, Mundakkai and Attamala, was destroyed in the disaster, officials shifted Mundakkai's booth 203 to Meppadi GHSS, while the other two moved to St Sebastian Church's parish hall."This could be our last election in Chooralmala. Next time, we will move to the township and become voters of Kalpetta Municipality. After the tragedy, elections have become occasions for former neighbours to meet again," said landslide survivor K Jayesh, a native of Chooralmala.He recalled how he used to be actively involved in election campaigns, like many others who are no longer alive. "I used to take leave from Harrisons Malayalam every election to do mike announcements and serve as a booth agent. People like Bhaskaran and Vijayan of CPI, Sudevan of CPM, Saleem of Congress, many who were once at the forefront of campaigning, are dead," he said.Echoing the sentiment, former Attamala panchayat member Sukumaran said, "Elections were once vibrant community events. There used to be friendly competition over who would cast the first vote. Now, many of those familiar faces are gone."For Mundakkai native Noufal K, who lost nine members of his family in the tragedy, voting was a responsibility he could not ignore. "This is our most important right – it gives us a voice. That is why people have come, even from distant places. Next time, those who voted together for decades will be scattered across booths. As my house falls under Meppadi limits, I will be a voter in a different ward," he said.The polling figures of Chooralmala ward stood at an impressive 81.16% and that of Mundakkai stood at 84%, much above the polling percentage of 78.81 in the district and the 80.35% figure of Kalpetta constituency.District election authorities had arranged special transport facilities to enable Mundakkai-Chooralmala survivors, now living in different parts of the district, to reach their polling booths. Collector MR Meghashree flagged off special KSRTC bus services from Kalpetta at 10am. A total of eight buses operated services at 10am and 2pm.