Landslide Survivors in Wayanad Cast Final Votes in Native Wards Before Relocation
In a powerful display of democratic resilience, survivors of the devastating Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslide in Kozhikode, now scattered across Wayanad in temporary accommodations, exercised their voting rights at relocated polling stations. This election is poised to be their last in their native wards, as most are scheduled to move to a township in Kalpetta or other rehabilitation housing projects before the next polls.
Relocated Polling Stations Facilitate Voting
Following the destruction of Vellarmala GHSS, which previously housed the booths for Chooralmala, Mundakkai, and Attamala, election officials swiftly adapted. Mundakkai's booth 203 was shifted to Meppadi GHSS, while the other two booths were relocated to the parish hall of St Sebastian Church. This strategic move ensured that displaced voters could still participate in the electoral process despite the upheaval caused by the disaster.
Emotional Reflections from Survivors
K Jayesh, a native of Chooralmala and a landslide survivor, shared poignant insights. "This could be our last election in Chooralmala. Next time, we will move to the township and become voters of Kalpetta Municipality. After the tragedy, elections have become occasions for former neighbours to meet again," he remarked. Jayesh recalled his active involvement in past election campaigns, noting the loss of many fellow campaigners like Bhaskaran and Vijayan of CPI, Sudevan of CPM, and Saleem of Congress, who perished in the landslide.
Echoing this sentiment, former Attamala panchayat member Sukumaran added, "Elections were once vibrant community events. There used to be friendly competition over who would cast the first vote. Now, many of those familiar faces are gone."
High Voter Turnout Amidst Adversity
The polling figures underscored the community's commitment to democracy. Chooralmala ward recorded an impressive 81.16% turnout, while Mundakkai achieved 84%, both significantly higher than the district average of 78.81% and the Kalpetta constituency's 80.35%. This robust participation highlights the survivors' determination to uphold their civic duties despite personal losses and displacement.
Noufal K, a Mundakkai native who lost nine family members in the tragedy, emphasized the importance of voting. "This is our most important right – it gives us a voice. That is why people have come, even from distant places. Next time, those who voted together for decades will be scattered across booths. As my house falls under Meppadi limits, I will be a voter in a different ward," he stated.
Special Transport Arrangements for Voters
To support the displaced survivors, district election authorities organized special transport facilities. Collector MR Meghashree flagged off special KSRTC bus services from Kalpetta at 10 am, with a total of eight buses operating at 10 am and 2 pm. These efforts ensured that survivors living in various parts of the district could reach their polling booths conveniently, facilitating their participation in this crucial electoral event.
As these survivors prepare for relocation, their final votes in native wards serve as a testament to their unwavering democratic spirit and resilience in the face of tragedy.
