Residents near Katpadi boycott polls after relocation of polling booth

Residents of Balekuppam village in Vellore district boycotted elections due to the relocation of the polling booth far from the residential colony of Scheduled Castes and lack of civic amenities in the area. As a mark of the boycott, residents hoisted black flags in front of their houses, shops, and public places in the village. The village panchayat consists of nine wards, including a settlement for Dalits.