Maoists threat failed to dampen the spirits of the people as they turned out in large numbers to participate in three blocks — Ghatshila, Bodam and Patamda — under Dhalbhum sub-division of
the East Singhbhum district. The three blocks registered 77 per cent polling.
Amidst call for poll boycott, the East Singhbhum district administration had beefed up security to hold peaceful conduct of the third phase of panchayat election adequate paramilitary forces were deployed at the rebel-hit areas in Patamda and Ghatshila. In the third phase of polling Ghatshila registered 70.9 per cent polling, Bodam 81.7 per cent and Patamba 83.1 per cent.
Reposing their faith in strengthening the Panchayati Raj system, several thousand voters thronged the rural polling stations during the third phase of panchayat polls.
Enthusiasm was palpable on the faces of voters, especially women. Women outnumbered men at most of the polling stations, even women aged above 75 were willingly escorted by their kin to exercise the franchise. Polling was by and large peaceful.
“We had earmarked several booths in the three blocks as super-sensitive, where the movement of Naxalites is frequent, however we are happy to note that the entire process went on smoothly without any untoward incident reported so far,” noted a district official.
“After a gap of five years we are witnessing the Panchayat polls. The credit goes to the State Government. The overwhelming participation only goes to show that Maoists cannot decide everything. We have right to elect our mukhiya and sarpanch,' said a voter who did not wish to be named. Before 2010 the last panchayat polls were held in 1979 when Jharkhand was part of Bihar. After the formation of the state in 2000, the polls were delayed due to a legal battle over reservation to tribal people in scheduled areas.