Dalit voters in Nathamedu village in Dharmapuri are unable to vote because of high-handedness by the caste Hindus who cast votes on their behalf.
A dalit villager Palani told TNIE, “During elections, we will go to the booth to cast our vote. But after having the indelible ink on our fingers, the caste Hindus will ask us to leave the booth and our votes will be cast by them in front of our eyes.”
He said that the Dalits do not have any support to act against the caste Hindus. So they return to their homes without saying anything.
Another local resident said that the officials and Election Commission also does not take any action. Their village is surrounded by Caste Hindus. He added that the booth level officers and officials support the caste Hindus. A day before the voting day, they are provided with liquor and good food, said a local resident, according to The New Indian Express.
There are over 421 Dalit voters in the area, according to The New Indian Express.
The village is about 35 km from Dharmapuri. There are thousands of caste Hindus living in the area.
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