Villagers Announce Poll Boycott Over Unfulfilled Political Promises

Sullia: Frustrated by repeated political promises that have remained unfulfilled, residents of the Valthaje area of Devchalla village in Sullia taluk have announced a boycott of the upcoming elections. The villagers also staged a symbolic protest by putting up banners to express their anger and disappointment.

Local residents alleged that political leaders had earlier promised to construct concrete roads on the Valthaje–Karangalu and Valthaje–Malarkumari routes near Balkaje Mod, assuring them that the long-pending infrastructure issues would be resolved. According to villagers, these assurances were made publicly, sweets were distributed, and applause followed—but no work was carried out afterward.

During the protest, banners displayed by villagers strongly criticised political leaders, accusing them of misleading the public with false assurances. The banners warned that if road construction does not begin immediately, voters would respond by ignoring political leaders in the next elections.

Villagers said that despite raising their demands multiple times, authorities and elected representatives failed to take their concerns seriously, leaving them with no option but to announce a voting boycott.

They urged the administration and public representatives to move beyond election-time promises and take concrete steps to resolve basic civic issues. The villagers warned that if their demands continue to be ignored, the protest could intensify in the coming days.