Historic voting took place in Naxal affected Bhimbandh of Bihar after 20 years. Amidst tight security, villagers cast their votes without any fear. This is a big victory for democracy, where the administration did not shift any booth.
A historic and encouraging news has emerged from Munger district on Thursday in the first phase of Bihar Assembly elections 2025. Voting was held for the first time after 20 years in Bhimbandh area, which is considered Naxal affected. This development shows the strong hold of democracy and administration on Naxalism.
Villagers said: Now there is no fear, there is happiness
The local villagers of Bhimbandh looked very excited with the start of voting. A villager said after casting his vote, “We are feeling very good. We are very happy to vote here after 20 years. Earlier, since 2005, the situation was not favourable… now there is no fear. Ever since the security forces camp has been established here, we are living peacefully.”
The villager further said that people are also satisfied with the government facilities. He said, “We have also been getting free ration for a few years, we are grateful for that. There are no problems now. We are living peacefully in the forest. We are happy with the polling booth being set up here. Everyone, young and old, is able to cast their vote.”
Elections by entering Naxalite stronghold
This time, the district administration, pushing the Naxalites on the backfoot, decided to hold voting in their stronghold itself. DM and SP said that earlier the polling stations of a total of 7 Naxal affected villages including Bhimbandh of Haveli Kharagpur block were shifted due to security reasons. “This is booth number 310. Voting is being held here after 20 years. A few years ago, there was an adverse incident due to which voting was stopped here,” an official said.
Strong security arrangements
Tight security arrangements have been made to ensure this historic voting. The official said voters were assured to vote freely without any fear. “We also made people aware to come out and vote,” he said.
Regarding security, DM and SP said that now permanent camps of CRPF have been made in Naxalite areas. Apart from this, paramilitary forces, STF and district police are continuously carrying out flag march and area domination in that area. This time not a single polling station was shifted, which shows the administration’s commitment towards democracy.