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Enthusiastic polling

By Aarti Dhar

RAIPUR DEC. 1. There was an air of enthusiasm in Chhattisgarh that went to polls today, for the first time as an independent State, though the mood was sombre in the naxalite-affected southern parts where there was not much polling due to naxal threats. Rough estimates showed that the percentage of polling percent stood somewhere between 55 and 58.

The mood was festive, particularly in rural areas, where women dressed in their best cast their votes before noon, though some did complain about their ignorance over the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) as it was the first time that they were being used in the State.

Men were seen drinking liquor in China cups close to a polling booth in Narayanpur Assembly segment. This was the scene on the main roads but as one moved into interior villages, banners and posters were conspicuous by their absence.

Villagers pointed towards the polling centre where polling remained low but preferred to avoid any conversation. "The scene is bad here,'' said a young man when he was asked why he did not go to vote. Many others chose not to answer but fear was writ large on their faces. However, a heavy presence of police personnel did instil confidence among the people in the Narayanpur town.

In Bhanupratapur assembly segment, women outnumbered men as it was said that the men had been drinking the whole night and were now asleep.

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