Gandhinagar: Residents of Dela village, situated within the Mehsana Municipal Corporation limits, boycotted the civic body's first election, with none of its residents turning up to vote between 7am and 6pm.
Protest Against Inclusion
The village is protesting its inclusion in the corporation limits. Dela was included within Ward 4 of the municipal corporation, and the polling station was located at the primary school.
Zero Voter Turnout Despite Efforts
None of the total 656 voters — 334 male and 322 female — turned up despite district administration and municipal officials attempting to convince them. Officials tried to persuade residents to participate, but the boycott remained solid throughout the day.
The election was the first for the newly expanded municipal corporation, and the complete boycott highlights the discontent among Dela residents over their forced inclusion. The village had previously expressed opposition to being merged into the urban local body, citing concerns over loss of rural identity and increased taxes.
