The Maoist dominated Chattisgarh state is going for the first phase of Assembly polls on Monday amid very high security. The situation looks much like a war situation between the security forces and Maoists than a democratic process, due to the intensity of Maoists factor in the state. Maoists have called for boycott of the elections in one of their strong hold area-Bastar district and they even made a blast to underline their intentions if polling is conducted.

Therefore, around one lakh paramilitary forces in addition to state police force has been deployed in sensitive areas in the state. Search operations for bombs are being conducted at regular intervals by the experts in a massive scale.

Twelve IAF Choppers were kept on watch-dog duty over the areas of polling. One ambulance helicopter is also kept ready at Raipur airport for providing emergency medical aid and for shifting of victims, in case any untoward incident takes place anywhere.

One can have a clear idea on how the prevailing situation is if sees BSNL erecting cell towers on special vehicles to ensure no disruptions in communication between the polling stations and the state head -quarters.

Around 30 lakh voters in 18 constituencies will cast their votes during this first phase of elections. However, the government is expecting between 53-60 percent turn-out only. Another interesting thing is for the first time CPI is also contesting in the elections, whereas Maoists have gave a call for boycott of these elections.

CM of the state Raman Singh contested from Rajnandgaon constituency. His fate will be sealed in EVMs during this first phase of elections along with others.