Large turnout in Jharkhand elections is a stinging rejection of CPI (Maoist).. Chidambaram

Published on December 22, 2009 by INVC   ·   16 Comments  Print This Post

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The Union Home Minister has said that the 58 per cent turnout in the Jharkhand assembly elections is a stinging rejection of the CPI (Maoist). In a statement issued here today, he said that security forces will remain stationed in Jharkhand to maintain law and order on the counting day as well as on the following days. Following is the text of his statement:

“Elections in Jharkhand have come to an end. I am happy to note that the fifth and the last phase witnessed a turnout of 58.12 per cent. The average for all the phases is 58 per cent, a number that can truly make the people of Jharkhand proud. In my view, this is a stinging rejection of the CPI (Maoist) and other militants who attempted to terrorize the people of Jharkhand into boycotting the elections. The ultimate victor is democracy.

I take this opportunity to congratulate the electorate of Jharkhand for turning out in very large numbers and exercising their franchise to elect candidates of their own choice. I also offer my congratulations to the Governor, the Election Commission and the Administration of the State of Jharkhand for the arrangements they had made for the smooth and peaceful conduct of elections.

At this hour, it is our duty to remember the 6 jawans of the Central para-military forces, 5 policemen of the Jharkhand police and one from Bihar police who lost their lives during the period of elections. The security forces faced innumerable challenges. They showed exemplary bravery against the determined attempt of the

naxalites to disrupt the elections. In the process, 12 policemen lost their lives. We share the grief of their families and offer them our sincere condolences. I have instructed the authorities concerned to ensure that the compensation due to the deceased policemen is paid expeditiously and a report of compliance submitted by January 15, 2010.

Counting will take place on Wednesday, December 23, 2009. The security forces continue to be stationed in Jharkhand in order to ensure that law and order is maintained on counting day as well as on the following days. I appeal to the people of Jharkhand to co-operate with the State Administration and maintain peace and harmony until a new Government is sworn into office.”

Tags:  CPI (Maoist), Jharkhand elections