The Maoists may have triggered landmines, attacked politicians and given a boycott call.
But this seems unlikely to stop people in the districts of West Midnapore, Purulia and Bankura from casting their vote in the first phase of assembly elections in West Bengal on Monday.
Of the 45 seats in the three districts bordering Jharkhand, eight assembly constituencies -- Binpur, Salbani and Garbeta West in West Midnapore, Banduan in Purulia and Ranibandh, Raipur, Simlapal and Sarenga in Bankura districts -- are affected by Maoist violence.
However, the state administration and police are confident that the boycott call would not have an impact on voters.
They feel that the massive deployment of central paramilitary forces like BSF and CRPF would act as a deterrent and instil a sense of security among voters.
West Midnapore, the district worst hit by Maoist violence in the last two months, would have the maximum security deployment followed by Bankura and Purulia.
"It is our responsibility to instil a sense of security among voters. 250 companies of paramilitary personnel would be deployed in West Midnapore," District Superintendent of Police Ajay Nand said in Midnapore.
As many as 161 companies of paramilitary forces have been posted in Bankura and 151 in Purulia, official sources said.
{{/usCountry}}As many as 161 companies of paramilitary forces have been posted in Bankura and 151 in Purulia, official sources said.
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