For 1st time, no Naxal opposition to panchayat polls: Chhattisgarh CM

RAIPUR: Voting for first part of panchayat elections received underway in Chhattisgarh on Monday, with practically 76% voters casting their poll. CM Vishnu Deo Sai stated this was the primary time that Maoists have not dared oppose rural elections within the state.
“For the primary time in 40 years, folks of greater than 130 polling stations within the worst Maoist-affected districts of Sukma and Bijapur solid their votes and took part within the competition of democracy,” stated the CM.
Locals of Puwarti, the native village of dreaded Maoist commander Hidma, additionally turned out to vote. “Reviews of the tip of Naxalism and the victory of democracy deliver a way of deep satisfaction,” he stated, including: “In Bastar division, the affect of the poll is now overtaking the bullet. That is the primary time that Naxals haven’t opposed panchayat elections in Bastar.”
Sai stated this had been doable as a result of institution of greater than 40 new safety camps in extremely delicate areas by govt. “The ultimate nail within the coffin of Naxalism, which has been a most cancers for Bastar, is being hammered in by our ‘double engine’ govt,” he stated.
The latest safety camp – a CRPF ahead working base – was opened in Bijapur district’s Pujarikanker on Feb 13. The camp is strategically positioned to assist within the building of an important highway linking Bijapur with Usur and Pamed, one of many worst insurgency-affected areas. “As per the resolve of PM Modi and residential minister Amit Shah, the eradication of Naxalism in Bastar is about to be achieved by March 2026. That is victory of democracy over forces of terror, Jai Bastar, Jai Chhattisgarh!” stated Sai.
Voting started at 6.45am and ended at 2pm in Bastar division. The outcomes shall be introduced Tuesday.