Remote Maharashtra Hamlet Achieves 95% Voter Turnout with First Polling Station

In a significant move towards enhancing voter accessibility in Maharashtra, the residents of Burudmal, a remote hamlet under the Baramati Lok Sabha constituency, experienced a monumental shift in their voting journey during the third phase of Lok Sabha elections held on Tuesday. For the first time, 41 eligible voters from this secluded village did not have to undertake a strenuous 12 km trek to cast their votes, a daunting task that was a norm until the 2019 elections.

Located 35 km away from Bhor town in Velhe tehsil of Pune district, Burudmal stands as the smallest polling station within the Baramati Lok Sabha constituency. This year, officials took a commendable step by setting up a polling station in a nearby school, significantly reducing the logistical challenges faced by the villagers. By 3 pm on election day, an impressive 95 per cent turnout was recorded, with 39 voters, including first-timers, having exercised their franchise.

Baburao Akhade, a 90-year-old resident and the senior-most voter in Burudmal, expressed his relief and satisfaction over this change. He reminisced about the previous elections where the journey to the polling station involved walking on foot to Sangvi Velvade Khore valley. The establishment of a local polling station marked a historic moment for him and his fellow villagers, providing much-needed relief from the scorching summer heat.

Mahesh Gore, a young voter from Burudmal, highlighted that this was the first instance since India's Independence that a polling station was established within the hamlet. The decision came after considering the hardships faced by voters, including senior citizens and women, who previously had to cross rivers and trek long distances to vote. The appeal for a local polling station was swiftly acted upon by the administration following requests to the Sub-Divisional Officer of Bhor division.

The initiative saw an overwhelming response from the villagers, including those working in Mumbai. Over 20 young residents hired a bus from Maharashtra's capital to return to Burudmal just to cast their votes. Priyanka Akhade, among those who traveled back, shared her excitement about voting for the first time in her village.

Laxman Akhade voiced his happiness for his nonagenarian father's opportunity to vote within their hamlet. The provision of a local polling station spurred the villagers towards achieving a near-perfect voting percentage. Bhausaheb Turkunde, the sole teacher at the Zilla Parishad primary school in Burudmal where the polling station was set up, shed light on the challenging terrain of the area which previously made access to voting stations difficult.

Rajendra Kachare, Sub-Divisional Officer, acknowledged the villagers' determination to participate in the electoral process. Under guidance from Kavita Dwivedi, returning officer for Baramati constituency, this initiative was realized successfully with a commendable voter turnout of 95 per cent at Burudmal's polling station.

This landmark effort in Burudmal not only facilitated voter participation but also underscored the importance of making democracy accessible to every citizen regardless of geographical barriers. It stands as a testament to the administration's commitment to ensuring that every vote counts and every voice is heard in the festival of democracy.