Election officials in Chennai are busy distributing Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and other election materials while thousands of voters in Budha Pahad, once a Maoist hotbed, are gearing up to cast their votes in their own booths after decades of turmoil. This region, which was recently liberated from Maoist influence by security forces after over three decades, will host five polling stations accommodating around 5,000 voters who were previously required to relocate to safer zones due to Maoist threats.
Jharkhand's Chief Electoral Officer, K Ravi Kumar, recently ventured into the challenging terrain of Budha Pahad, situated within the Palamu Lok Sabha constituency, to assess the polling arrangements for the upcoming elections scheduled for May 13. During his visit, Kumar interacted with voters and polling officials, expressing his appreciation for the security forces' efforts in making the area safe for elections after a prolonged period of insecurity. The region was inaccessible for polling due to security concerns, but now, with improved safety measures, the locals are excited to participate in the democratic process.
The transformation of Budha Pahad into a safe and secure area for voting was a result of strategic efforts by security forces, with multiple anti-Naxal operations being conducted to rid the region of left-wing extremists. The successful operations, starting from April 2022, led to the elimination of 14 Maoists and the capture or surrender of hundreds of others, paving the way for electoral participation in the region. Despite previous challenges in removing the Maoist presence from the difficult terrain of Budha Pahad, recent operations have effectively restored peace and enabled democratic activities like voting to take place in the area.