Tribals in Andhra Pradesh protest and call for a polling place in the Arla panchayat
Tribals living in the Anakapalle district’s Arla panchayat in Rolugunta mandal protested on Saturday, calling on the authorities to set up a polling place in their panchayat for the next elections. The community’s women also carried out a “doli yatra,” calling on district and Election Commission representatives to attend to their concerns.
Voters from six hilly villages and two more villages in Arla panchayat had to go almost 15 kilometers to the closest polling place in Sarabhavaram in order to cast their ballots.
Neellabanda, Pedagaruvu, Kotha Losingi, Patha Losingi, Aarla, Pitrigedda, Gurralabailu, and Gadabapalem are among the communities that have traditionally had difficulties exercising their right to vote.
The problem of voting places remains even after the Arla panchayat was established in 2020 and fresh panchayat elections were held within its limits.
When tribal women saw that their names were included under Sarabhavaram panchayat for the next elections, rather than Arla, they voiced dismay.
“Our rural communities still lack the essential road infrastructure to link them, despite the local MLAs’ promises to supply it. Despite having paved roads, a school building, fresh water access, and internet connection, Arla panchayat regrets that the absence of a polling place severely restricts the tribal population’s ability to exercise their right to vote.
Tribal women, Pangi Shanti and Kilo Rukma, and K Govinda Rao, a member of the CPM district working committee, have expressed their dissatisfaction and called on the Election Commission of India (ECI) to swiftly set up a voting booth in Arla panchayat in order to allay their fears.
