Adivasis belonging to the Cholanaiker tribe polled their vote at a booth at Nedunkayam, braving incessant rain and the threat of wild elephants. Many of them walked several miles through the jungles to reach the vehicles arranged by the Forest Department. Although they reached Nedunkayam from Mancheeri tribal colony and other hamlets within the Karulai forest in the morning, they had to wait till 1 p.m. as the electronic voting machine had developed a snag.
Party workers provided them food. The Adivasis said the threat of wild elephants had increased considerably in recent times. The presence of armed forces deployed in booths in the forest areas in view of alleged threats from Maoists did not evoke any curiosity or fear among them. “Elephants are to be afraid, not these guns,” said Kethan, who accompanied his wife Vellakka to the polling booth.
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