People in Hidma’s Puwarti & other villages in Sukma vote 1st time sans Maoist threat

RAIPUR: It was for the first time in history of Maoist-hit Kerlapenda village and Puwarti-the native place of Maoist commanded Hidma in Sukma district of Bastar division, that the tribal villagers became part of electoral process during the third phase of panchayat elections on Sunday and exercised their franchise.

Sukma district recorded a total voter turnout of 47.55% while the final polling recorded in state was 81.11%.

These regions in one of the worst Maoist affected Sukma district have always stayed away from the polling process due to the immense Maoist threat, but this election, there was no appeal or warning issued by Maoists against casting votes.

Chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that it was because of continuous efforts by the police and administration that have managed to bring about a change in the region’s situation. The joint efforts of security forces and local authorities in recent years have reduced the influence of Maoists, leading to a newfound sense of optimism among the villagers.

“The voting was held through ballots and in nearly 325 seats in more than 80% zila panchayat presidents’ seats of state, BJP has achieved victory. It’s because the development schemes in rural areas and campaigns against corruption has won the confidence of the people,” said deputy chief minister Vijay Sharma who also holds home portfolio.

It was a landmark event that the third phase of the Panchayat elections in Chhattisgarh witnessed an unprecedented turnout and people happily came out for vote in the Puwarti village of the Konta block in Sukma, a region severely affected by Maoistism.

This village, which is the ancestral home of infamous Maoist commander Hidma, participated in elections for the first time since Independence. The election saw an overwhelming display of enthusiasm and hope from the villagers, who were finally able to exercise their democratic rights for the first time.

Another Maoist-hit Kerlapenda village in Sukma district has set a milestone, where people in their 50s said that they have voted for the first time and they felt empowered to have been able to raise their demands before the candidates who visited them.

The villagers displayed their confidence in democracy, keeping aside the Maoist terror, officials said, adding that many electors walked several kilometres, motivated on their own, to reach the polling booths and exercise their franchise.

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