Change of Polling Station Sparks Boycott Row: Sonai Villagers Dissatisfied, Demands Resolution Before the Election Day

A recent change in the polling center has stirred controversy in the Swadhin Bazar GP area of the Sonai constituency. Voters, used to having nearby polling centers, are upset because the center has been moved from Dubrikandi Lower Primary School, which was close to their village, to 876 Baurikandi Lower Primary School, nearly 5 kilometers away. This change has left many feeling deprived of their democratic rights.

Locals expressed their displeasure, stating that the new location is much farther from their village compared to the previous one. They see this as a hindrance to their right to vote. Rahim Uddin Barbhuiya, a local resident, mentioned that they reached out to their MLA Karim Uddin Barbhuiya for help, but despite promises, no action was taken, and they received various technical excuses for the delay.

Failing to get assistance from their MLA, they approached Minister Parimal Suklabaidya and the BJP MP Candidate for Silchar for help. Minister Parimal Suklabaidya advised them to go to DC Cachar, where DC Cachar, Rohan Kumar Jha, stated that it wouldn’t be possible to address the issue at present. He questioned why they hadn’t raised the issue earlier. Despite their explanation, DC Cachar reiterated that it wouldn’t be possible now but assured them it would be resolved after the election.

Frustrated by the lack of progress, the villagers decided to take action. They believe that changing their polling station is a barrier to their right to vote, especially for the elderly members of the community. To resolve the issue before the election, they have declared that they will boycott the upcoming elections if their previous polling station is not reinstated.

The villagers claim that this is the first time their polling station has been changed since India gained independence. They state that their previous polling station never faced any issues or inconvenience. They believe the sudden change is an intentional move to obstruct their right to vote, although they are unsure of the motive behind this decision.

Moreover, they claim that mischievous acts are being carried out in the new polling station to manipulate voting results. One villager cited a report allegedly from DC Cachar, which stated that although 521 voters were registered, only 438 cast their votes according to presiding officers. However, upon counting, it was found that there were 538 ballot papers, indicating an increase in the number of votes.

The villagers fear coercion and manipulation of their votes in the new polling station. They seek action from the authorities to ensure their right to vote by taking necessary steps.