Author: Sonali Das
Publication: The Times of India
Date: November 26, 2014
URL:      http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/specials/2014-assembly-elections/jharkhand-news/62-of-voters-defy-Maoist-threat-in-Jharkhand/articleshow/45277515.cms

The first round of assembly elections in 13 segments across six Maoist-hit districts in Jharkhand passed off peacefully on Tuesday, setting the tone for the remaining four phases of polling in the state. The six districts recorded 61.92% voting despite Maoist poll boycott call.

 These areas witnessed an increase by 3.07% and 5.89% in turnout compared to the Lok Sabha elections assembly polls in 2009. The lowest turnout of 53.85% was recorded in Chatra while the largest turnout in Bhawnathpur (69.60%).

 "We appeal to voters in the remaining constituencies to come out in large numbers and participate in the democratic process,'' said chief electoral officer P K Jajoria for whom the first phase was extremely crucial.

 The CPI (Maoist) presence is now believed to be in all 24 districts of the state, but the six districts that went to the polls on Tuesday are the worst hit.

 Over 40,000 security personnel were deployed at 3,961 polling booths. In Hariharganj, security forces found four bombs but they turned out to be fake (filled with sand and mud).

 Local goons damaged EVM machines in two booths in the same block, where polling had to be cancelled. "Dates for re-polling have not been decided yet,'' said Jajoria. At least 26 EVMs developed technical snags and were immediately replaced.

 In Chatra assembly constituency, villagers boycotted the polls at three booths to protest lack of development. Jajoria said they were yet to ascertain reasons behind the boycott.

 Candidates across the constituencies expressed satisfaction over the turnout and the conduct of elections. Congress candidate K N Tripathi said, "Though there were isolated incidents of irregularities, the elections were largely free and fair. Congress will win all the five seats in Palamu.''

 In Banari and Banalat regions of Gumla district, a turnout of 59% was recorded despite CPI (Maoist)'s strong presence. Special arrangements were made in Maoist-hit pockets to boost voters confidence.

 Purni Devi, 55, walked around five kilometres to reach a polling booth. She said she had come to vote because there was a dearth of basic amenities in her village.

 "Unless we vote, government schemes will not reach our place. We neither have roads nor any hospital. Moreover, the government is restricting domestic brewing of liquor which is going to hamper our dependence on the sale of mahua," she said.

 Villagers in Jamti and Katia, where Maoist posters for poll boycott could be seen pasted on the walls, turned out in large numbers.