In a first of its kind officials in poll-bound tribal dominated Jharkhand have decided to hire motorbikes and bicycles to ensure smooth and fair elections, especially in the Maoist-affected constituencies. As many as 18 of the total 24 districts in the state are naxal-affected.
The district returning officers have released rate charts for hiring of bikes and bicycles for the movement of security forces in their constituencies. While motorbikes can be hired for Rs 200 a day, the rate for bicycles is Rs 50 per day.
Thousands of security personnel from central armed police force would be visiting Jharkhand for the smooth conduct of the five-phase elections which begins on November 25 and ends on December 20. The counting of votes is scheduled for December 23.
“In the rural areas which will be tough to travel on four-wheelers it will be better to ride bikes and bi-cycles. It will also minimize the security risk for the patrolling personnel,” said a police officer of Jharkhand.
The Ranchi district commissioner and district election officer, Vinay Chaubey has also said that the motorcycles ad bicycles would be used for election purposes in the remote and tough terrains.
Another senior police official said while patrolling on bikes or bicycles the security personnel in case of any Maoists attack could take their positions faster than those moving on four-wheelers.
“We’ve taken all the security measures for the smooth and fair polling in the naxal-affected areas and for this we’ve taken services of all kind of vehicles for safe and smother movement of security forces”, said another police officer.
Meanwhile, all parties have released their poll manifesto. “Development and stable government are the common feature in almost all poll manifesto released by political parties,” said a political observer.
