Dhanbad: Residents of Lalpur Futaha village under the Putki panchayat participated in the municipal election on Monday for the first time in 16 years, ending over a decade-long boycott triggered by their demand to be included in a panchayat instead of the municipal corporation.Earlier in 2010 and 2015, the villagers also boycotted the municipal elections, and they were allegedly planning to abstain from voting again this year. The civic poll, which has been pending since 2020, was conducted on February 23, 2026.However, after receiving information about the proposed boycott, the district administration intervened and appealed to the residents to exercise their franchise. DC Aditya Ranjan directed a team to visit the village and hold discussions with the residents.On polling day, a delegation of administrative officials reached the Lalpur Futaha village and interacted with village elders and community representatives. The meeting was attended by the Baghmara returning officer, block development officer, circle officer, the police station in-charge, and several villagers. The officials appealed to the residents to participate in the democratic process and assured them that their concerns would be addressed.DC Ranjan said the administration was serious about the villagers’ demand and that a formal inquiry would be conducted. A committee would be constituted to examine whether Lalpur Futaha should be included in a panchayat or remain under the municipal corporation, with a decision expected before the next panchayat elections, he said.Following the assurance, the villagers convened a meeting and decided to cast their votes. Manish Kumar, voting for the first time, said the village abstained in the previous elections due to administrative indifference but chose to participate this year after receiving assurances.Other villagers expressed hope that the administration would honour its commitment and resolve the long-pending issue of their administrative status.
