No electricity, no votes: Locals in Uttarakshi threaten to boycott LS Polls

Even after 70 years of independence, people residing in over 68 villages of Uttarkashi district face a dearth of basic amenities, including a regular supply of power, and have threatened to boycott the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Locals in as many as 40 villages in Mori-Purola area are living in the dark as the area does not contain grid-based electrification. Moreover, the region lacks adequate infrastructure, roads, and schools, locals claim.

"We do not have any facilities here. We are very disappointed with the government. No MLA or any minister visits this place. Even if they come, they just remain in their guesthouses. We are planning to boycott the election," Upender Chauhan, a local, told ANI.

Another local claimed that villagers in the region lack access to primary and community health centers, forcing them to travel to villages in Himachal Pradesh for treatment.

Seven-phased elections in the country are slated to begin on April 11 and culminate on May 19, while counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Uttarakhand will go to polls on April 11 for the five seats at stake in the state.