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Updated April 21st, 2019 at 15:47 IST

This Village in Gujarat has a fine of Rs. 51 on those who do not vote

At a time when political parties are going the extra mile to appeal to voters across the country, locals in this Gujarat village feel that allowing candidates to campaign would adversely affect the region, and have, therefore, brought in a ban on political campaigning. 

Reported by: Daamini Sharma
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At a time when political parties are going the extra mile to appeal to voters across the country, locals in this Gujarat village feel that allowing candidates to campaign would adversely affect the region, and have, therefore, brought in a ban on political campaigning. 

Locals of Rajsamadhiyala are bound by a plethora of rules and regulations framed by the Village Development Committee (VDC) and breaking any of these invokes monetary fine - one of which is not casting vote during elections. 

"Campaigning is banned as locals think it will disturb the environment, half of the people will go to one and a half to another side," said Ashok Bhai Vaghera, Sarpanch. "The political parties also understand this and support us," he mentioned. 

Mr Vaghera went on to say that a fine of Rs. 51 is imposed on those who do not come out to vote, in order to ensure maximum participation at the time of elections.

Read: EC Files FIR Against Congress' Milind Deora After His Speech Against The Shiv Sena

"There is a fine of Rs. 51 on those who do not vote. Every time our efforts are to ensure 100 per cent voting but voters list also contains names of those who have died and of girls who often leave after marriage but their names remain in the list. However, we reach around 95-96 per cent voting," said Mr Vaghera.

The village has almost every modern amenity like internet connection through WiFi, CCTV cameras, RO plant for providing potable water, and so on, making life convenient for the villagers.

"There is a ban on throwing plastic bag here and there, it invites a fine," said Mr Vaghera.

"There is free WiFi for everybody in the village and there are CCTV cameras that ensure security. Also, a top district-level Cricket ground is there," a villager added.

Read: Congress To Win All Mumbai Seats; People Will Not Be Fooled By 'opportunistic' Sena-BJP Tie-up: Milind Deora

The 26 parliamentary constituencies of the state will go to polls in the third phase of elections on April 23. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

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Published April 21st, 2019 at 15:47 IST

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