More than 1000 villagers turned out to cast their vote in Masinagudi, a significant improvement from the 2011 Assembly election when most of them opted for 49-O, an option available for voters who want to register their decision not to vote for any candidate.
Their main grievance in 2011 was the lack of developmental works due to Tamil Nadu Private Forest Protection (TNPFP) Act and demarcation of elephant corridors. This poll, political parties had included the resolution of this problem in their manifesto. They also promised to distribute pattas and amend the TNPFP act.
"We are hopeful that the party that comes to power would fulfil their promises. Thus, we decided to vote for a candidate this time," said L Prasad, Masinagudi.
During the 2011 Assembly election, nearly 700 voters in Masinagudi panchayat under Gudalur constituency and 385 voters from Bokkapuram village located next to Masinagudi and falling under Udhagamandalam registered their protest by opting for 49-O. Most of the villagers are into agriculture and cattle breeding. As per TNPFP Act, no activity should be carried out on patta lands located in reserved areas.
Residents also fear that over time, they would be pushed out of their homes. "We have been fighting with the government for several years now with no results. This year, we are hopeful that promises will be kept," said K Mathias, a resident.
Around 6,000 tribals, including Irulas and Kurumbas, live in small hamlets in Moyar, Mavanallah, Bokkapuram and Vazhaithottam areas. Another 5,000 forest dwellers and 5,000 migrants from Kerala and Karnataka live here.
Their main grievance in 2011 was the lack of developmental works due to Tamil Nadu Private Forest Protection (TNPFP) Act and demarcation of elephant corridors. This poll, political parties had included the resolution of this problem in their manifesto. They also promised to distribute pattas and amend the TNPFP act.
"We are hopeful that the party that comes to power would fulfil their promises. Thus, we decided to vote for a candidate this time," said L Prasad, Masinagudi.
During the 2011 Assembly election, nearly 700 voters in Masinagudi panchayat under Gudalur constituency and 385 voters from Bokkapuram village located next to Masinagudi and falling under Udhagamandalam registered their protest by opting for 49-O. Most of the villagers are into agriculture and cattle breeding. As per TNPFP Act, no activity should be carried out on patta lands located in reserved areas.
Residents also fear that over time, they would be pushed out of their homes. "We have been fighting with the government for several years now with no results. This year, we are hopeful that promises will be kept," said K Mathias, a resident.
Around 6,000 tribals, including Irulas and Kurumbas, live in small hamlets in Moyar, Mavanallah, Bokkapuram and Vazhaithottam areas. Another 5,000 forest dwellers and 5,000 migrants from Kerala and Karnataka live here.