Mangalore: An isolated hamlet nestled in the heart of Belthangady taluk, Dakshina Kannada district, made headlines as all 111 of its voters cast their ballots in the recent Lok Sabha election, achieving a staggering 100% voter turnout.
Despite the hamlet’s remote location and lack of basic amenities such as power and transport connectivity, every eligible voter made the arduous journey, trekking eight kilometers through dense forests to reach the sole polling booth. Their dedication to participating in the democratic process was evident as they completed voting two hours before the scheduled closing time of 6 PM.
Banjarumale is home to forest dwellers, tribal farmers, and collectors of minor forest produce, who rely on natural resources and perennial water sources from the nearby hills of the Western Ghats for their livelihoods. Despite the challenges they face, including limited access to modern conveniences, the residents demonstrated unwavering commitment to exercising their right to vote.
Anni Malekudia, a resident of the village, emphasized the community’s resilience and determination, stating, “We do not complain about the lax facilities. We understand that all the facilities that are given to towns cannot be given to all villages. Nevertheless, that has not deterred us from voting in full numbers. I am sure even if there were 500 voters or more they would have all come to vote.”
This isn’t the first time Banjarumale has made headlines for its exemplary voter turnout. In the 2023 Karnataka Assembly election, the hamlet recorded an impressive 99% voter turnout, reflecting the residents’ consistent commitment to democratic participation.
