In a significant move towards enhancing voter accessibility in Maharashtra, the residents of Burudmal, a remote hamlet under the Baramati Lok Sabha constituency, underwent a transformative change in their electoral process during the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections conducted on May 7.
Located 35 km away from Bhor town in Velhe tehsil of Pune district, Burudmal is the smallest polling station with 41 eligible voters under 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.
#WATCH | A special polling station has been set up in Burudmal village of Maharashtra’s Baramati constituency after 75 years of independence.
Burudmal has the smallest voter population with just 41 voters.
(Source: DIO) pic.twitter.com/OIoZHyV1LH
— ANI (@ANI) May 6, 2024
Baburao Akhade, aged 90 and the eldest resident of Burudmal, expressed relief and satisfaction with the newfound convenience. Recalling past elections, he recounted the arduous journey on foot to the distant Sangvi Velvade Khore valley for voting. The inauguration of a local polling station signified a historic milestone for him and his neighbours, offering respite from the intense summer heat.
Bhausaheb Turkunde, a lone teacher who works at the Zilla Parishad primary school in Burudmal, said the terrain is difficult. “Most of the times, people living here had to trek to nearby villages to bring goods but a motorable road has been built now,” he said.
Rajendra Kachare, Sub-Divisional Officer, acknowledged the villagers’ determination to participate in the electoral process. Under guidance from Kavita Dwivedi, returning officer for the Baramati constituency, this initiative was realised successfully with a commendable voter turnout of 95 per cent at Burudmal’s polling station. This landmark effort in Burudmal facilitated voter participation and 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.
The Lok Sabha elections are taking place in seven stages all over Bharat, starting from April 19 and ending on June 1. The results of the Lok Sabha 2024 elections will be announced on June 4
