First-time voters in Jharkhand's Maoist-affected areas to get special polling

In a significant move, many interior areas of Singhbhum Lok Sabha seat in Jharkhand, known as a Maoist stronghold, will witness voting for the first time in years. Polling teams and logistics will be air-dropped via helicopters to enable residents in Saranda, Asia's densest Sal forest, to cast their votes.

Special arrangements for remote areas

To ensure every voter is included, about 118 remote booths will be set up using materials dropped from choppers. West Singhbhum's Deputy Commissioner, Kuldeep Chaudhary, emphasized their commitment to reaching every voter, especially in areas untouched by elections for almost two decades due to Maoist insurgency.

Although West Singhbhum still faces challenges from left-wing extremism, significant efforts have been made to improve security. Last year, the district saw 46 Maoist-related incidents, resulting in 22 deaths. Notably, areas like Middle School, Nugdi, and Madhya Vidyalaya, Borero, will see voting for the first time in this election.

Innovative strategies are being employed, including air-dropping polling teams in challenging locations such as Robokera, Binj, Thalkobad, and others. Security presence has been strengthened with 15 new camps established. For voters facing difficulties, options like home voting have been provided, particularly for the elderly and persons with disabilities.

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Systematic voter education

Efforts to educate voters include setting up a giant sky balloon and running 1,284 'Chunav Pathshala' sessions under the Systematic Voter's Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) initiative. This aims to raise awareness about the importance of voting.Singhbhum, a reserved constituency for Scheduled Tribes, has 14.32 lakh voters, with over 7.27 lakh being women. The constituency comprises six assembly constituencies, with elections scheduled in four phases on May 13, 20, 25, and June 1.

The BJP's Geeta Kora, wife of former CM Madhu Koda, will contest from Singhbhum. Kora, who was the lone Congress MP from Jharkhand in the previous Lok Sabha, recently joined the BJP. The seat is yet to see INDIA allies declare their candidate.These special arrangements and inclusive initiatives aim to ensure democratic participation even in the most challenging and remote areas, marking a significant step towards inclusive elections in Jharkhand.

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