Banjarumale, a remote hamlet nestled in Belthangady taluk of Dakshina Kannada district, made headlines with its remarkable achievement of 100% voter turnout in the recent Lok Sabha election.
With a modest population of 111 voters, Banjarumale witnessed every eligible voter casting their ballot at the lone polling booth, concluding the voting process two hours before the scheduled end at 6 pm.
Despite its remote location and lack of basic amenities such as power and transport connectivity, Banjarumale’s residents, comprising forest dwellers, tribal farmers, and collectors of minor forest produce, displayed unwavering determination to exercise their democratic right.
To reach the taluk headquarters in Belthangady, villagers must undertake an arduous journey, either by bus via Mudigere or an eight-kilometer trek through dense forests. Yet, this did not deter them from participating in the electoral process.
Anni Malekudia, a resident of Banjarumale, encapsulated the community’s spirit, expressing understanding towards the limited facilities while emphasizing the importance of voting. Their commitment to civic duty is commendable, as evidenced by their previous record of 99% voter turnout in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly election.
The district authorities lauded the residents of Banjarumale for their exemplary civic engagement, underscoring the significance of grassroots participation in shaping democratic processes.
