BERHAMPUR: Despite the naxal call for poll boycott, the panchayat election process is continuing as per schedule in the naxal-hit Rayagada district.

Till now, the boycott call has made no impact on the poll process. But the administration is taking no chances. Intense combing operation by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is continuing in remote areas of the district, Sub-Collector of Gunupur Ranjan Sharma has said.

Threat of naxals could not dissuade candidates from filing nomination papers in both Rayagada as well as Gunupur sub-divisions of the district. Even the hardliner CPI-ML (Liberation) fielded its candidates for the polls.

Though the campaign process picked up in Rayagada sub-division, it is yet to show up in Gunupur sub-division, which is more prone to naxalite activity.

Mr. Sharma, however, attributes it to the predominance of tribals in Gunupur sub-division. According to him, proximity to district headquarters town surely gives a boost to the campaign in rural areas of Rayagada sub-division.

In Gunupur sub-division, the electorate, comprising mostly landless tribals living in rural areas, have little interest in the campaign process.

Security for contestants

"Here, personal connections bring in votes for the candidates rather than glitzy campaign," he says.

Officials are yet not sure about the possible plans of naxals. All booths in Gunupur sub-division have been marked sensitive or hypersensitive as per their proximity to the naxal-hit areas.

CRPF personnel, along with the Orissa State Armed Police (OSAP) personnel, would be on duty during the polling process. On February 13, Chadrapur and Muniguda blocks, which are most prone to naxal activity, would go to the polls. "We anticipate chances of naxal activity on the polling day in these areas and are preparing for it," says Mr. Sharma. Extra watch is being kept on security of candidates.

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