The electioneering in politically sensitive Palamu district passed without any major clashes between workers of opponent parties here despite intense campaigning by firebrand leaders from across the country.
Political bigwigs such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence minister Rajnath Singh, Union Minister Smriti Irani, UP CM Yogi Adityanath, deputy chief minister of UP Keshav Prasad Maurya, BSP supremo Mayawati, AIIMM chief Asaddudin Owaisi, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav addressed rallies in the district during electioneering.
Superintendent of Police, Palamu Ajay Linda said “The nomination, scrutiny, withdrawal and campaign days here went off without any episode of skirmishes which is a relief. But we still have two challenges – the polling and safe return of security forces and the polling parties with EVMs from the respective booths.”
Sources said there are booths located as near as Latehar’s Herhunj which is a citadel of extremists and risk of IEDs at such remote and cut off areas is high.
Linda said, “We are concerned about the retreat. We would do well”.
Sources said reaching time for booth, a day or two before the exact day of voting, may be different but getting off from booth after the poll is over is the same 3 PM or some half an hour later and hence the return rush is known to the Maoists who often try to play havoc then.
Linda said to preempt any untoward scenes police have raided hotels lodges, banquet halls across the district. But so far no dubious person has been arrested.
SDPO Sadar Sandip K Gupta said searches in hotels are on and there will be no laxity in it.
Gupta said SP Linda too sat behind a cop on a bike doing road patrolling here which has sent out a strong message that right from SP down to a constable all are out for a fair and peaceful poll.
Palamu’s five constituencies have only nine booths relocated here out of which four fall in the Garhwa district. About relocation of booths Linda said safety and security of voters, polling staff and security forces is their prime concern which is uncompromised.
