Nearly 55 per cent of the 63.97 lakh electors cast their votes on November 14 in the first phase of polling in 39 constituencies spread over 10 districts in Chhattisgarh1. An Indian Air Force officer was killed and another wounded when suspected Maoists attacked their helicopter as soon as it took off from Bijapur. The helicopter was airlifting electronic voting machines and polling staff when it was attacked. Separately, a CRPF personal was also killed after being hit by a sniper bullet at Antagarh in Kanker district. In all, there were 25 incidents of encounters between security forces and Maoists in the state on November 14. Six polling booths were also attacked. The ultras looted as many as 21 electronic voting machines.

The Maoists had given a boycott call and even threatened to kill those who participated in the election process. Despite the threat, the overall polling percentage in the Maoist-affected areas remained high with Dantewada and Bijapur reporting close to 40 per cent. Narayanpur saw 35 per cent voter turnout, Kanker 45 and Bastar 55 per cent2.

• 1. “55% turnout of voters in Chhattisgarh,” The Hindu, November 15, 2008, at http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/15/stories/2008111558170100.htm
• 2. “IAF officer killed in naxalite attack on copter,” The Hindu, November 15, 2008, at http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/15/stories/2008111558190100.htm