Hyderabad: Youth in Siddipet district launched a protest against vote buying as gram panchayat elections created intense activity in several villages. They set up flex banners outside their homes, declaring that their vote was a constitutional right and would not be sold.
Residents of Gandhinagar in Husnabad mandal said the banners aimed to stress the value of each vote. Moreover, they wrote that money or liquor would not influence their decision. The messages appeared on multiple houses as the village prepared for the local polls.
Protest against vote buying gains momentum in Gandhinagar
Villagers said the banners would remind people passing by about the importance of protecting their vote. Additionally, the youth stated that they would reject any inducements from sarpanch candidates. They added that they would stop others from accepting such offers.
According to them, selling a vote would weaken the right to question leaders. They warned that poor choices during elections would push village development back for five years. They also stressed that educated and experienced candidates should get an opportunity to lead the panchayat.
Youth members said strong leadership could help improve village administration. They added that their protest against vote buying aimed to promote clean elections and responsible participation.