Sirsi: This election as well, residents of Kasage and surrounding villages in the taluk may not get relief from the ordeal of covering a distance of 12 km to reach the polling station.

Kalakar, Tenginagadde, Kasage, Ubalagadde and Kokhand villages in Manjguni Gram Panchayat have more than 12 voters. They have to visit Teppar to exercise their franchise.

The distance is four km if they walk in the hilly region, and the distance is 12 km by road. This journey is not a convenient one for women and elders.

Therefore, since last three years, villagers have been demanding a polling station at Kasage.

“In 2015, we decided to boycott Gram Panchayat elections. That decision was withdrawn after the assistant commissioner assured to start a new polling station. But, that promise is not yet fulfilled,” says Parameshwar Hegde, a resident of the area.

Renewed assurance

On Monday, officials visited the village, asking villagers not to boycott the elections, assuring to bring the demand for new polling station to the notice of higher officials.

Assistant Commissioner Rajashekhar Dembal could not discuss much with the villagers, as he had to rush to the district headquarters. ASP D L Nagesh and CPI B Girish held a meeting with the villagers.