Two Telangana villages, two battles: Residents stuck in 40-year poll freeze

Gudem village has boycotted local elections since 1983 over ST reservations, claiming no such community resides there. This has led to severe underdevelopment, water scarcity, and depreciating land values. Despite pleas and even boycotting Lok Sabha polls, the issue remains unresolved, impacting hundreds of villagers who are denied opportunities and fair land prices.