Bhawanipatna, Feb 16: Though the first phase of voting of the three-tier Panchayat elections began today, villagers of two remote villages of Kalahandi have boycotted the elections demanding drinking water, proper road, and school.

Around 556 voters of Upardunda and Taladunda under Dundelmal gram panchayat in Junagarh block of Kalahandi district have boycotted the elections in protest against water scarcity and lack of proper roads.

The villagers put up bamboo barricade at the entrance and opposing the polling team to enter the village. They were seen shouting slogans “vote boycott our demand, no road, no vote, no drinking water, no vote.”

Similarly, around 372 voters’ of Bhaliapadar under the Manamunda block of Boudh district have boycotted the vote and staging dharna in front of a booth demanding school.

Notably, the first phase of the three-tier panchayat elections began today. Voters are allowed to exercise their franchise between 7 am and 1 pm. The polls will be held in five phases on February 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24.