Maoist success

The Centre is exercised that in the Orissa local elections, Maoists have joined the electoral process and entered the political system. Candidates with Maoist links have won around thirty blocks in eight districts. They were unopposed primarily because of Maoist intimidation. It means that welfare funds, including MNREGS and the Backward Region Grants Fund will be in the hands of the Maoists who have won the elections. The area in question where the Maoists have got in was a Maoist stronghold. Security forces and the local administration were fighting the menace in the region. The State Government is unable to do anything now. It should have ensured before the polls that they were free and fair. The Orissa Government has failed to fulfill the promise of a democratic election. Following the Maoist success, the government has to focus on ensuring that development funds in the hands of the Maoists are fully and properly utilised. The rebels who have won should be given the opportunity to administer funds in their own way. But it has to be seen that these funds are utilised to improve the condition of the people. In the area under Maoist threat, there is less investment in infrastructure, health and education. On the other hand, if an area is wrecked by violence, welfare schemes cannot be implemented there. It is a vicious circle. And if there is no development, Maoist slogans will catch on fast. What is a big question is whether the Maoists in Orissa are genuinely interested in joining the democratic process. Or are they trying to sabotage the system? It remains to be seen how they keep their election pledge and exercise the authority that voters have vested in them. The Orissa experience will be valuable for the rest of the Red Corridor in central India.