New Delhi: The average 58 percent turnout
in the Jharkhand Assembly polls is a stinging rejection of the
CPI(Maoist) and "other militants" who attempted to terrorise
the people of Jharkhand into boycotting the elections, Union
Home Minister P Chidambaram said on Monday.
While complimenting the security personnel, who "showed
exemplary bravery against the determined attempt of the
Naxalites to disrupt the elections," he also appealed to the
people to cooperate with the state administration and maintain
peace and harmony until a new government is sworn in.
"Elections in Jharkhand have come to an end. I am happy
to note that the fifth and the last phase witnessed a turnout
of 58.12 percent. The average for all the phases is 58 percent, a number that can truly make the people of Jharkhand
proud.
"In my view, this is a stinging rejection of the CPI(Maoist) and other militants who attempted to terrorise the
people of Jharkhand into boycotting the elections. The
ultimate victor is democracy," Chidambaram said in a
statement here.
Besides congratulating the people, the minister also
offered his congratulations to the Governor, the Election
Commission and the administration of the state of Jharkhand
for the arrangements during the elections.
He said, "At this hour, it is our duty to remember the
six jawans of the central paramilitary forces, five policemen
of the Jharkhand police and one from Bihar police who lost
their lives during the period of elections... We share the
grief of their families and offer them our sincere
condolences.
"I have instructed the authorities concerned to ensure
that the compensation due to the deceased policemen is paid
expeditiously and a report of compliance submitted by January
15, 2010."
PTI
