Brief
Veligonda reservoir project displaces voters from local elections in Andhra Pradesh
Around 9,800 people displaced by the Veligonda Reservoir lack voting rights in upcoming Markapuram district elections.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Official sources said about 9,825 residents displaced by the Pula Subbaiah Veligonda Reservoir Project will be unable to vote in the upcoming local body elections in Markapuram district, Andhra Pradesh. The original gram panchayats of Gottipadiya, Kalanuthala, Gundamcherla and Sunkesula were submerged, causing seven villages to lose voting rights. Resettled residents of Lakshmipuram, Krishnanagar, Sairamnagar and Ramalingeswarapuram are also excluded because their names have not been added to the electoral rolls of the rehabilitation colonies. Elections will be held in 402 of the district’s 406 gram panchayats, but the four submerged panchayats and their MPTC constituency will not vote. The situation has heightened concerns among project oustees about lack of electoral representation.
Key facts
- Nearly 9,825 displaced residents will miss voting in Markapuram local body elections. (newindianexpress.com)
- Seven villages lost voting rights after their gram panchayats were submerged. (newindianexpress.com)
- Elections will be conducted in 402 of 406 gram panchayats; four submerged panchayats will not vote. (newindianexpress.com)
- Resettled residents of four villages remain excluded from electoral rolls. (newindianexpress.com)
Sources
- [1] newindianexpress.com — originally reported as “Andhra Pradesh: Veligonda oustees left out of local body polls”
