Special Voter Registration Campaign For Tribal Katkari Citizens In Pune District

Khadakwasla, 4th December 2023: Pune District Collector Dr Rajesh Deshmukh has announced a special campaign to register tribal Katkari citizens residing in the Khadakwasla and Bhor assembly constituencies. This initiative comes in response to concerns raised about hundreds of tribal Katkari citizens being denied the right to vote.

Noting the importance of ensuring voting rights for all sections of society, the district administration has been organizing voter registration camps for various groups, including hawkers, brick kiln workers, sugarcane workers, and nomadic castes and tribes. However, the tribal Katkari community in hilly areas such as Khadakwasla, NDA Gate No. 10, Gorhe Budruk, Donaje, Vardade, Agalambe, Bahuli, Kuran Khurd (Velhe), Kondhur (Mulshi), and Panshet has been overlooked.

Following the intervention and attention of District Collector Dr Deshmukh, it has been assured that a special campaign will be conducted to register all citizens above eighteen years of age from these villages as voters.

Neera Waghmare, a tribal Katkari women activist, highlighted the lack of awareness and education within the community, emphasizing the need for voting cards to gain attention from leaders seeking votes.

Dr Deshmukh stated, “Today, urgent instructions have been given, and a special campaign will be conducted to register the voters of the tribal Katkari citizens of both Khadakwasla and BhoR assembly constituencies.”