Jamshedpur, Nov. 10: Congress candidate from Jugsalai Assembly constituency Riti- ka Mukhi and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader Sudhir Mahto today canvassed in Naxalite strongholds Patamda and Ichagarh blocks of East Singhbhum and Seraikela-Kharsawan districts respectively.

The areas the two leaders visited today are considered part of the Naxalite-infested Red-zone where the rebels have called for poll boycott. “The remote areas of Patamda are considered Naxalite-prone. But I did not come across anything like that during my interaction with local villagers. They welcomed me wholeheartedly,” said Ritika, while speaking to The Telegraph from Amlakundu village in Patamda block, close to the Bengal border.

The Congress candidate said after visiting Amlakundu this morning, she realised that no other politician or minister had ever visited the place, where people live in abject poverty. “There is no pucca road, no health care facilities and no schools. The village has only electricity supply to boast of,” said Ritika.

During her padyatra, Ritika asked villagers whether they feared Maoist violence during the polls. “As the villagers face numerous problems, they could not single out anything that they could blame the Maoists for. I will once again visit Amlakundu and seek the support of villagers for my victory,” she said. The Congress candidate visited about a dozen villages including Dandu, Kantagora, Gedwala, Amlakundu, Bodam, Chirudi, Chakudandu and Macha Bankuchia.

A resident of Amlakundu, Sudarshan Kaiborto, said, “In the last parliamentary elections we had expected some leaders to turn up in our village, but that did not happen. But this time a candidate came and talked about our problems. We are definitely encouraged by this and will take part in the electoral process.”

Maoist rebels unleashed a poster campaign at Rengdadih a few days ago, calling for poll boycott.

JMM leader Sudhir Mahto went on padyatra in Chalia-ma and Farengda. Though polling in the Ichagarh Assembly constituency is scheduled to be held in the fourth phase on December 12, Mahto kicked off the campaign from the area as he wanted to build a rapport with villagers who have to face the heat of Naxalite activities.