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Despite the Naxal threat and various obstacles, voters in Naxalite-affected areas of Jharkhand turned out in large numbers to cast their votes in the first phase of Assembly polls that are underway on 43 seats.
Naxalites had put up posters and attempted to disrupt polling activities in Sonapi, Jagannathpur, and Manoharpur Assembly Constituencies in the West Singhbhum District. According to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Jharkhand, these posters were removed by security forces, allowing people to participate in the electoral process. By 11 AM, more than 50 per cent of votes had been cast at polling station 253, Primary Vidyalaya Kolbanga, while over 30 per cent of voter turnout was recorded at polling station 254, Primary Vidyalaya Rabanga. The CEO also reported that voters at Primary Vidyalaya Sonapi defied Naxal threats and came out in significant numbers. Security forces successfully cleared posters and blockades, leading to a high turnout of 60 per cent by 11 AM at polling booth number 25 in Sonapi, Jagannathpur. Notably, long queues were seen in the Budha Pahar area, previously a Naxalite stronghold. According to the CEO of Jharkhand, the peaceful polling and enthusiastic voter turnout at UMS Hesatu in Bargad Garhwa signal a new era of democracy in Budha Pahar. For the first time, a polling station was set up in Budha Pahar for the Lok Sabha Elections 2024, allowing residents to vote in their villages. Across the 43 assembly constituencies, nearly 46.25 per cent voter turnout was recorded by 1 PM on Wednesday. (ANI)
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