Village Boycotts Lok Sabha Voting Over Coal Dump Yard Protest

Over 400 villagers in Dumka district boycotted the final phase of Lok Sabha polls to protest against a proposed coal dumping yard. Despite assurances from officials, the villagers insisted on written confirmation to halt the construction before voting. The boycott severely impacted voter turnout in the area.

In a striking display of protest, over 400 residents of a village in Dumka district abstained from voting in the final phase of the Lok Sabha elections on Saturday. Officials revealed the boycott was in response to the ongoing construction of a coal dumping yard.

At Booth No. 94 in Bagdubhi village, only four out of 430 registered voters cast their ballots by 3 PM, confirmed Dumka Circle Officer Amar Kumar. The villagers have been vocal in their opposition to the railways' coal dumping project.

Sub-divisional Officer Ajay Kumar met with the protestors but failed to secure their participation without a written assurance to halt the yard's construction. Local representative, Lakshman Soren, reiterated the village's demands. Meanwhile, a voter turnout of 60.14 percent was recorded in other parts of Jharkhand by mid-afternoon.