This Village In India Votes For 1st Time Since Independence. Check Details

Another milestone was achieved during the second phase of the panchayat polls on February 20, when people of Bijapur district, which had a history of insurgency, casted ballots.

People wait to cast their votes during Chhattisgarh local bodies elections in Bastar district on Sunday, February 23.

Source : PTI

A Naxal-hit village in Chhattisgarh made history on Sunday as it voted for the first time ever since independence during the ongoing Panchayat polls in the state.

People of the Kerlapenda village in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district queued up at polling booths to cast their vote amid tight security during the third phase of the panchayat polls, news agency ANI reported.

Visuals showed voters of the village waiting for their turn in queues peacefully to cast ballots while being surrounded by tight security. Prior to this, the people of the Naxal-hit village had never cast their votes in any elections.

#WATCH | Sukma: In the third phase of the Chhattisgarh Panchayat Elections, the citizens of Kerlapenda village cast their vote for the first time after Independence. (23.02) pic.twitter.com/WMtTYycGZV

— ANI (@ANI) February 23, 2025

"I have voted for the first time. We had never voted before," a voter was quoted as saying by ANI. 

Another resident expressed happiness that the village was moving towards development as he said that this was also the first time that the people of Kerlapenda village got a chance to raise their concerns before politicians. People from nearby villages also reached out to cast votes, he said.

#WATCH | Sukma, Chhattisgarh: "... Voting is taking place after 75 years here. People from the nearby villages are also reaching out to cast their votes... I am happy that we will move towards development. This is the first time we would get a chance to raise our demands in front… pic.twitter.com/1GbNCXvelP

— ANI (@ANI) February 23, 2025

Villages In Naxal-Hit Bijapur District Cast Votes

Another milestone was achieved during the second phase of the panchayat polls on February 20, when people of Bijapur district, which had a history of insurgency participated in the state panchayat polls.

People crossed over difficult terrains and dense forests to reach the voting centre in Bhopalpatnam village. They covered a distance of 70 kilometers to cast their votes, the ANI report said.

These voters belong to villages that fall under Bijapur district’s national park, which is a safe haven for Naxals. People from nearly five villages came together to cast their votes, braving the terror looming in their area. 

"We want employment opportunities, road connectivity, electricity, pension, and other basic facilities from the government," a voter was quoted by ANI as saying. 

The first phase of Chhattisgarh panchayat polls took place on February 17, followed by the second phase on February 20, and third phase on February 23.