Full of nervousness and anxiety scores of bus drivers left for far-flung Maoist hit areas to ferry police officers and presiding officers to the polling stations, as the first phase election begins from today in the state four lok Sabha constituencies- Chatra, Palamu, Koderma and lohardaga.
Bus driver Shambhu Sahu who for the first time is heading to lohardaga — the infamous Maoist hot belt which goes to polls today, expressing his anxiety said, “My heart is beating fast as I have a strong intuition of being victim of some untoward incident. Security personnel have boarded my bus. In the name of God I am starting my journey.”
Another driver Rajnath Mahto distressed with the “arbitrariness of police” and compulsion to abide by their orders, explaining his ordeal added, “I am ferrying officials to Palamu district with much risk. Only God can save me if any untoward incident takes place. I have earlier denied for rendering the service during election time but the officials’ intimidation forced me to drive to the Red-hit areas.”
Not only Sahu and Mahto but there are many more drivers who share the similar opinion on their journey to these naxal hit areas. On one hand where transporters are willingly volunteering for the duty the other side drivers feel themselves as puppet in the hands of their masters.
“We are trapped between the devil and deep sea. We are bound to perform our duty for the sake of our job despite fear of Maoist attack,” added Mini bus driver Ashok Mahto. More than 200 commercial vehicles from the city, mainly city, mini buses and cars plying have been acquired by the administration for the poll duties of April 10.
District Transport Officer (DTO) Rajeev Kumar said, “The vehicles have been acquired for two days (April 9 and 10). By April 11 evening the buses will be set free for the public. The administration will acquire the busses again on April 13 late evening till April 17 for the second phase election.”