maoists-fail-to-deter-jharkhand-voters

For the first time in decades, the elections in Jharkhand unfolded without a looming threat of Maoist insurgency, marking a shift from the past elections that were marred by Maoist violence. 

The 2024 Lok Sabha polls saw unprecedented voter turnout in Maoist strongholds like 'Budha Pahad', indicating a notable shift in the region's political landscape.

Notably, areas such as 'Hesatu' village, nestled in the 'Budha Pahad' region encompassing Palamu and Chatra Lok Sabha constituencies, witnessed voting within their premises after a hiatus of more than thirty years.

Many residents, seeing their voter ID cards for the first time, exercised their franchise, reflecting newfound civic engagement.

The surge in voter participation extended to regions like Mahudand, Lekh Kalapahar, and Dagra of Naudiha within the Palamu Lok Sabha constituency.

Similarly, several villages in the Kolhan jungles of Chaibasa saw polling after a gap of at least two decades, with polling booths being brought closer to the communities, which were previously relocated due to security concerns.

The increased security presence, including the establishment of CRPF camps in key areas like Regdahatu, Tirilpasi, and Boroi, facilitated polling in previously inaccessible regions.

Chaibasa SP Ashutosh Shekhar noted that voters in about twenty polling booths exercised their franchise for the first time in twenty years, attributing this to ongoing anti-Naxal operations and improved security measures.

Helicopters were deployed to transport polling parties to remote villages, ensuring accessibility and participation.

In Khunti, plagued by Maoist outfit PLFI, where villages had boycotted polling in the 2014 elections due to the 'Patthalgadi' movement this time witnessed a surge in voting turnout.

Similarly, the Shikaripara area in Dumka, historically challenged by Maoist threats, saw peaceful polling, marking a departure from previous elections marred by violence.

Police data revealed a decline in Maoist incidents during the recent polls compared to previous years, indicating a positive trend in the region's security situation.

The 2014 and 2019 elections were marred by Maoist violence, including bombings of political offices, underscoring the significance of the peaceful conduct of the 2024 elections.