Harij villagers to boycott LS polls

Palanpur: Nearly 20 ,000 people living in villages of Harij taluka in Patan district have decided to boycott the Lok Sabha elections, alleging that their long-pending demand of railway connectivity and a GIDC has not been fulfilled.

On Monday, the villagers, under the banner of Harij Gram Vikas Samiti, submitted a memorandum to the mamlatdar informing about their decision to refrain from voting.

“We have 42 villages in Harij taluka of which 15 have joined the campaign while others are in contact with us,” said HGVS president Rajnikant Thakkar.

Thakkar said that the century-old railway line laid during Gaekwad rule was uprooted several years back and since then the hub of agricultural and trade activities our town has remained neglected.

Harij occupies an important place as a major centre for salt, cumin and other agricultural products. The nearest railway station is Chanasman, 20 km away.

“For the past several years, we have been demanding railway line and a GIDC in every polls. Every time we are given promises, which remain unfulfilled,” said Thakkar.