Large scale Naxal violence marred the first phase of Assembly elections in Chhatisgarh with an estimated 55 percent turn out.

One CRPF jawan, one flight engineer were killed in the naxal violence and dozens of EVMs (electronic voting machines) were looted. Naxals fired at an Indian Air Force helicopter killing the flight Engineer. More than 6 jawans also received serious injuries. Two landmine blasts were triggered to disrupt the polling process during voting for 39 constituencies.

The voter turnout in the sensitive first phase was an estimated 55 per cent of the 63.9 lakh voters, the Election Commission in New Delhi said.
A maximum of 70 per cent voter turnout was reported in Dhamtari district while 65 per cent of voters cast their ballots in Mahasumund. A maximum of 70 per cent voter turnout was reported in Dhamtari district while 65 per cent of voters cast their ballots in Mahasumund. Polling could not be held in 21 polling booths due to Naxal violence.

Chhatisgarh has a 90 member assembly. Polling for the remaining 51 seats will be held on Nov.20.