Ranchi: A large number of Naxal leaders have joined the democratic process. More than half a dozen senior Naxal leaders have fielded their family members as candidates from various political parties. In the first phase of the polls alone, six such candidates are in fray.
Manorama Devi, who is contesting on Jharkhand Vikash Morcha’s ticket from Chatra, is the wife of the dreaded Naxal leader Gautam Paswan. Paswan carries a handsome reward on his head.
From Chatarpur constituency, fighting on JDU ticket is Sudha Chaudhary, daughter-in-law of Bihar Assembly speaker Uday Narayan Chaudhary whose allegiance with Naxals is no secret.
Similarly, Sanjay Singh contesting on RJD ticket from Dusardabad is a former Naxal himself.
Other contestants such as Virsukhi from Gumla and Manika from Latehar constituency are candidates who are direct blood relatives of Naxal leaders.
The puzzled administration is now fighting the Naxals on two fronts – from gun battles inside jungles to keeping an eye on their relatives who are openly campaigning on the streets. More than 50,000 security personnel including para military jawans have been deployed.
CRPF Inspector General R K Mishra said, “Many candidates are there who are relatives of Naxal leaders. We are keeping a very close watch. We are fully prepared.”
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