Tribal Voters Cross Rivers, Trek Hills to Cast Votes in Surguja Constituency

In an inspiring display of democratic spirit, voters in the tribal-dominated Balrampur district of Chhattisgarh undertook remarkable journeys to exercise their right to vote during the third and last phase of Lok Sabha elections. The district, part of the Surguja Lok Sabha constituency, witnessed a significant voter turnout on Tuesday, with officials reporting a 74.59 per cent participation rate according to the Turnout application.

Voters from the Pahadi Korva community, recognized as a particularly vulnerable tribal group, showcased their commitment to democracy by crossing rivers and navigating through difficult terrains to reach their polling stations. Individuals such as Rajesh, Madan, Sukhu, Gopal, and Nandlal made their way across a river to cast their votes at a booth in the village panchayat Amera, located within the Samri assembly constituency.

Similarly, in the Ramanujganj assembly constituency, voters including Lakhan Nagesia, Sahu, Phulsai, and Kalesh embarked on a two-hour walk across hilly landscapes, covering a distance of 8 kilometres to reach their designated polling station. Another notable instance was that of Parimal Dey, a cattle rearer owning 150 goats, who arrived at a polling booth in Sagarpur village on horseback.

High Voter Turnout Amid Security Concerns

The district also saw commendable voter engagement in areas affected by Naxalite threats. Two hyper-sensitive polling booths, Chunchuna and Pundag, located near the Jharkhand border within the Samri assembly constituency, recorded significant turnouts. Special security measures were implemented to ensure the safety and peaceful participation of voters in these areas.

The Chunchuna polling booth reported an 84.35 per cent voter turnout with 767 registered voters, while Pundag saw a 72.44 per cent turnout from its 595 electors by 5 pm on polling day. These figures underscore the determination of Balrampur's residents to partake in the electoral process despite challenges posed by geography and security concerns.

This year's elections in Balrampur have been a testament to the unwavering spirit of its citizens. Their efforts to reach polling booths—be it through crossing rivers, navigating hilly terrains or even riding on horseback—highlight the importance of each vote in shaping the future of India's democracy.