DHNS
 
Mangalore, May 17: “Initially we had decided to boycott elections as none of the political parties supported us. But later, we changed our stand and decided to cast our vote to some party other than the Congress, BJP and JD(S) - to maintain election sanctity,” said a few members of Krishi Bhoomi Samrakshana Samithi.

Speaking to media persons after exercising their franchise at Thenka Yekkar, one of the areas notified for Mangalore Special Economic Zone (MSEZ), which comes under Moodbidre assembly constituency, they said there are about 10,000 voters in the MSEZ notified area that include Thenka Yekkar, Permude, Delanthabettu and Kutthethur.

“Since our politicians do not want our land to be saved, why should we vote for them?” they questioned and cited a few examples on how they boycotted the politicians when they tried to seek votes.

Stating that the ‘Nandigram incident’ would have repeated in Permude a few days ago, Mr Krishnappa, one of the residents, explained how the officials issued notices just one day before the survey and arrived with the police force to survey the land on the following day. He also alleged that the police were not ready to register their complaints against the officials.

Interestingly, the MSEZ notified areas registered more than 40 per cent polling by noon. Overall, the Moodbidre constituency has registered approximately 60% polling.