Villagers to boycott polls

PATIALA: Around 2,000 residents of Dhuhad village have announced boycott of forthcoming assembly elections and to refrain from voting in protest against the government’s failure to provide basic amenities in the village.
After a panchayat meeting on Friday evening, members passed a resolution to the effect. As Akali leaders got information about the step, chairman of Patiala Zila Parishad, Mahinder Singh Lalva, reached the village on Saturday and tried to convince farmers to withdraw the resolution.But the over-two hour meeting failed to convince the farmers.
“Over 60 years after independence, we are still awaiting a primary health centre for residents and animals in the village, a high school and other basic amenities. Ruling Shiromani Akali Dal got over 70% votes from the village in the last elections. But party leaders never came back to visit our village after elections,” alleged Gursewak Singh, who resigned as district president of Parvasi Bhalia wing of SAD on Friday.
Dirba and Ghagga towns are located just 3km from the village, the a small stretch of road was never constructed, the villagers face problems in reaching these towns for their daily needs.