Polls an uphill task here

In 2004, men, material had to be transported by helicopters

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A dozen polling stations, including six in Sirpur constituency, are still considered inaccessible

The extremist threat also deters politicians from visiting interior villages

ADILABAD: Given the difficult terrain and the altitude of habitations in many parts of Adilabad district, conducting elections is literally an uphill task. Though improved road connectivity has given accessibility to some villages, the going will still be tough in many others.

Some polling stations like Mangi in Tiryani mandal under the Asifabad Assembly constituency, which were earlier inaccessible, have been connected by road. In the 2004 elections, men and material required for the elections had to be transported by helicopters.

Logistical problems

A dozen polling stations, including six in in Sirpur Assembly constituency, are still considered inaccessible.

Besides, there are some polling stations in Asifabad (ST) constituency, which are extremely difficult to reach, but are not classified as inaccessible. These are expected to pose logistical problems to election authorities.

The polling stations of Parandoli and Anthapur in Kerameri mandal, for instance, have to be accessed through hilly roads, since they are located high up in the hills.

Campaigning remains low key in these places and at other villages that are difficult to reach such as Pangidi Somaram (Chennur constituency), Aigda in Dahegaon (Sirpur constituency) and Pochampally in Indervelli mandal (Boath (ST). Strangely, this phenomenon brings in some parity among political parties. The extremist threat also deters politicians from visiting interior villages.

Apart from the exposure to risk, candidates have to spend considerable time in reaching the villages. There are several other inaccessible villages, but the polling staff bring cheer to the tribals by somehow reaching their designated polling stations and conducting the election.