In Naxal-hit Chhattisgarh, voters bite the bullet for a free, fair election

An army of anganwadi workers, security personnel and teachers is working tirelessly to prod people to vote

Sudha Tati, a housewife in Bhejji village of Chhattisgarh’s restive Sukma district, received unusual visitors on an afternoon in the last week of October. A group of women carrying thalis (plate) decorated with flowers, betel-nut, rice and turmeric were at her doorstep.

“We have come to invite you amma (mother),” said Sheetal Kunjam, one of the members, succinctly. Tati, who just crossed 70 last month, looked confused. Without wasting time, Kunjam came to the point. With a big smile, she applied haldi-chawal (turmeric-rice) on her forehead and offered a piece of betel-nut. 

“Amma, we are going to celebrate the biggest