Berhampur: Several activists and educationists have appealed to rural voters and candidates in Ganjam district to refrain from violence during the three-tier panchayat elections and elect representatives without any bias to strengthen democracy at the grassroots level.
The appeal assumes significance as pre-poll violence was reported from different places in the district, including Dharakote, Digapahandi, Patrapur and Chikiti. Police have arrested at least 20 persons for their alleged involvement in the violence.
Holding placards, they sat near the Gandhi statue at Gandhi Nagar here on Monday afternoon to appeal to the people and political parties to refrain from violence. They also appealed to the voters to stay away from any allurements and liquor, which flow freely during the elections.
“The violence will destroy the social fabric and ruin the poor families,” said Sudhir Rout, convener, Forum for Ganjam, a social organization.
“Without any bias, we appeal to the people to judge and elect honest and efficient representatives to the panchayati raj institutions to establish a healthier democracy at the grassroots level,” said Shyam Sundar Kharanga, a retired teacher. “We are planning to go to some panchayats in the district to appeal on the issue,” said Rout.
“Don’t let any political party or organization or individual buy your conscience,” said ET Rao, an activist.
The appeal assumes significance as pre-poll violence was reported from different places in the district, including Dharakote, Digapahandi, Patrapur and Chikiti. Police have arrested at least 20 persons for their alleged involvement in the violence.
Holding placards, they sat near the Gandhi statue at Gandhi Nagar here on Monday afternoon to appeal to the people and political parties to refrain from violence. They also appealed to the voters to stay away from any allurements and liquor, which flow freely during the elections.
“The violence will destroy the social fabric and ruin the poor families,” said Sudhir Rout, convener, Forum for Ganjam, a social organization.
“Without any bias, we appeal to the people to judge and elect honest and efficient representatives to the panchayati raj institutions to establish a healthier democracy at the grassroots level,” said Shyam Sundar Kharanga, a retired teacher. “We are planning to go to some panchayats in the district to appeal on the issue,” said Rout.
“Don’t let any political party or organization or individual buy your conscience,” said ET Rao, an activist.
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