In Chhattisgarh, officials want voters in poll arena, elephants not so much

Following the movement of elephants and their conflict with humans, polling parties fear visiting the interior areas of the district and so do the villagers

Feeding elephants to conduct free and fair election is something unheard of! But in Chhattisgarh’s coal-rich Sarguja division, forest officials are busy offering all that is delicious to elephants. The efforts have been successful; the elephants are eating and not straying into villages, leaving the election process undisturbed.

About a fortnight ago, a group of journalists visited the office of Chief Conservator of Forest (Sarguja) K K Bisen to enquire what measures were being taken to ensure free and fair election. “We have worked out a plan and will ensure free election,” Bisen said.

Following the movement of elephants and