Defiant Voters Brave Naxalite Threats in Jharkhand’s Sonapi Village to Cast Ballots

In Jharkhand's West Singhbhum district, voters in the Sonapi village, part of the Jagannathpur Assembly constituency, have shown resilience by turning out in large numbers despite threats from Naxalites urging them to boycott the polls. Ahead of today’s first-phase voting for the Jharkhand Assembly elections, Naxalites had issued warnings to villagers and put up posters on Tuesday night discouraging them from participating in the polls.

However, the villagers disregarded the threats, showing up at polling stations undeterred. With substantial security forces deployed by the Election Commission, voters cast their ballots confidently. By 11 a.m., 60% of voters had already turned out at polling booth number 25 in a local primary school, underscoring the community's determination.

Jharkhand’s Assembly elections are being held in two phases, with the second phase scheduled for November 20. The counting of votes and declaration of results will take place on November 23.