The Swabhiman Anchal in Odisha’s Malkangiri district, once a stronghold of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), is set to make a significant stride in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections as locals prepare to cast their votes for the first time in many years.
A notable change on the ground is the shift from previous years when voting arrangements were made in nearby BSF camps. This shift signifies the empowerment of locals and the state’s efforts to restore normalcy and uphold the rule of law in the region. Thirty new polling booths have been established for the Lok Sabha and assembly elections in villages across nine gram panchayats in the Swabhiman Anchal, a stark departure from the time when Naxals controlled the area.
These elections mark a significant step forward, not just in terms of restoring normalcy but also in providing a sense of security to locals, enabling them to democratically elect their representatives. Anticipation and excitement are palpable among first-time voters, as they prepare to exercise their franchise without fear for the first time in a decade.
Previously, polling paraphernalia had to be airlifted via helicopters, with electronic voting machines (EVMs) delivered under tight security near BSF camps. However, this year, locals will queue up outside booths in Swabhiman village under tight security cover, indicating a major shift from previous years.
In 2019, 12 booths in the Swabhiman Anchal recorded zero polling due to Naxal threats, while in the 2014 general elections, Maoists captured a polling booth, leading to repolling where no one turned up.
Malkangiri SP Nitesh Wadhwani highlighted the decrease in Naxal activity in the region over the past one and a half years, attributing it to improved law and order. Measures such as regular patrols and searches have been implemented to ensure free and fair polling.
Collector Sachin Pawar outlined arrangements to facilitate smooth polling, including the establishment of 30 all-women booths and two booths managed by persons with disabilities (PWD). He also advised voters to cast their ballots early to avoid the heat, with temperatures expected to reach 39°C on May 13.
The Lok Sabha and assembly elections in Odisha are being conducted in four phases from May 13 to June 1, with vote counting scheduled for June 4. In the 2019 elections, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) won the majority of seats in both the assembly and Lok Sabha, followed by the BJP and Congress.