Tamil Nadu Villagers Boycott Lok Sabha Elections in Protest Against DMK Government

Residents of at least 12 villages in Tamil Nadu boycotted the 2023 Lok Sabha elections to protest against the ruling DMK government over various issues, including a proposed second airport in Parandur, police inaction in a case of mixing human feces in a water tank, and lack of basic amenities.

In Ekanapuram village, most of the 1,400 residents did not vote due to their 600-day protest against the state's proposal to build a second airport in Parandur. Only 21 votes were cast in the village. Tense moments arose as a revenue official tried to persuade the people to vote, despite their decision to boycott the election due to land acquisition for the airport.

Over 60 Dalit families in Vengaivayal village of Pudukottai district refused to vote due to police inaction in a case of mixing human feces in a water tank. Similarly, upper caste Hindus in the adjacent Eraiyur village also stayed away from voting and staged a demonstration.

Residents of several other villages, including four under Muthanai village panchayat in Cuddalore district, Puthiya Nambiyar, Mothakkal, and Kumararajipettai, boycotted the elections over lack of basic amenities like drinking water, roads, and transport facilities. Despite efforts by election officials and police, the electors remained steadfast in their decision not to vote.

Why this matters: The widespread boycott of the Lok Sabha elections by villagers in Tamil Nadu highlights the growing discontent and frustration among rural communities over unresolved issues and lack of basic amenities. The protests against the proposed Parandur airport and the police inaction in the water tank contamination case underscore the need for the government to address the concerns of marginalized communities and ensure their voices are heard.

The Chief Electoral Officer stated that election officials were holding talks to convince the boycotting voters to exercise their franchise. However, the villagers resorted to this unusual form of protest as their long-standing demands were ignored by the government, with election promises remaining unfulfilled for years. "The villagers refused to back down despite talks with the district collector," an official said, emphasizing the residents' determination to have their grievances addressed.

Key Takeaways

• Residents of 12+ Tamil Nadu villages boycotted 2023 Lok Sabha polls over unresolved issues.
• Ekanapuram villagers protested against proposed 2nd airport, with only 21 out of 1,400 voting.
• Dalits in Vengaivayal and upper castes in Eraiyur boycotted polls over police inaction on water tank contamination.
• Villagers in Cuddalore, Pudukottai districts boycotted over lack of basic amenities like water, roads.
• Boycott highlights rural communities' discontent with unresolved issues and unfulfilled election promises.