In the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, scheduled for May 13, several interior areas within the Singhbhum Lok Sabha seat in Jharkhand, known for its Maoist presence, will witness voting for the first time or after a prolonged hiatus. To facilitate this, polling teams and logistics will be air-dropped from helicopters into these remote areas, including the dense Sal forest of Saranda, Asia's most dense Sal forest.
A total of 118 remote booths have been identified for set up by personnel and materials dropped from choppers. West Singhbhum Deputy Commissioner cum District Election Officer Kuldeep Chaudhary emphasized the commitment to ensure no voter is left out, especially in areas affected by Maoist insurgency.
Notable polling stations such as Middle School, Nugdi, and Madhya Vidyalaya, Borero, will witness voting for the first time in this election cycle. Additionally, difficult-to-reach locations such as Robokera, Binj, Thalkobad, Jaraikela, Roam, Rengrahatu, Hansabeda, and Chhotanagra have been earmarked for air-dropping of polling teams.
Despite security challenges, significant progress has been made, with the establishment of new security camps and increased presence of security forces. Moreover, innovative approaches such as sky balloons and 'Chunav Pathshala' under SVEEP are being utilized to raise awareness about the importance of voting.
Singhbhum constituency, reserved for Scheduled Tribes, boasts a significant electorate, including a notable number of elderly voters and persons with disabilities. Efforts are being made to ensure their participation through initiatives like home voting options.
The Lok Sabha seat has witnessed a shift in political dynamics, with Geeta Kora, former Congress MP and wife of ex-Chief Minister Madhu Koda, contesting on a BJP ticket. With polling scheduled across four phases starting May 13, the election in Jharkhand is anticipated to be closely watched, especially given the significant representation it holds in the national political landscape.
