Daijiworld Media Network

Chhattisgarh, Nov 11: Nearly 70% voters braved Maoist violence to stamp in their choice in the first phase of assembly polls being conducted in Bastar and Rajnandgaon constituencies of  Chhattisgarh state. Maoist violence resulted in the death of a CRPF constable B Joseph, as well as three others being injured, and consequently scaring off voters in 50 booths in Bastar and 17 in Sukma.

Poll teams themselves did not turn up due to fear of Maoist hostility in 2 booths in Antagarh.

Of the 2.9 million resident voters, a sizeable chunk of 67 percent exercised their right to vote, thanks to the exceptional security being on hand in the form of 100,000 security personnel. The security personnel came upon and seized a dozen live bombs and 10kgs of explosives in various areas. Of the total 4,142 polling stations spread across 18 constituencies, 1,311 were highlighted to be in need of extra protection.

The results of these polls are crucial for Chief Minister Raman Singh and three other candidates. BJP has a lot riding on these polls as they had previously won 15 of them. Scoring anything less this time round might take an adverse toll on their success.