Telangana Villages Locked in 40-Year Election Boycott
Two villages in Telangana are facing a unique situation: a 40-year election boycott rooted in disputes over local seat reservations. Residents of Gudem, in Mancherial district, haven't participated in gram panchayat polls since 1983 due to reservations for Scheduled Tribes (STs), a category they claim doesn't exist in their village.
The Roots of the Boycott
The boycott began when the government reserved local seats for STs. Villagers argue that official records do not reflect any ST families residing in Gudem. Despite numerous appeals and protests, authorities have not addressed their concerns.
Bera Bapu, a 51-year-old resident, recalls voting in the 1983 sarpanch election but no GP elections since. The villagers even boycotted a Lok Sabha election to highlight their plight, but their demands remain unmet.
The Consequences of the Boycott
The ongoing boycott has had severe repercussions on Gudem. Despite its proximity to the Godavari River and three major temples, the village has experienced minimal development. Key issues include:
- Water Scarcity: Lack of access to the Godavari River's water.
- Poor Infrastructure: Underdeveloped facilities and amenities.
- Depreciating Land Value: Significant decline in land prices.
Thota Lakshmaiah, a 70-year-old former upa sarpanch, lamented the lack of a sarpanch to advocate for their needs. The absence of an elected local body has hindered progress and left the village isolated.
Land Transaction Issues
Land transactions have become problematic, forcing residents to sell their land "illegally" at drastically reduced prices. Neighboring villages fetch โน40 to โน50 lakh per acre, whereas Gudem residents struggle to secure even โน10 lakh. This is because their land is designated as an "agency area," restricting land registration.
Thandra Lingaiah explained that ST land protections prevent outsiders from purchasing their land. Desperate residents resort to informal sales, often for as little as โน6 lakh per acre.
Double Disadvantage
Adding to their woes, villagers are not issued ST certificates despite their lands being classified as part of an agency area. This deprives them of opportunities reserved for ST candidates.
Thota Satish, a BSc graduate, recounted missing the constable exam qualifying mark multiple times. He believes an ST certificate would have secured him a government job.
Hopes for Resolution
Villagers believe a functional elected local body is crucial to resolving their problems. They are adamant that the reserved posts must be converted back to general. Officials from the State Election Commission have stated that efforts are underway to address the issue.
