The naxal movement has been one of the biggest threats to the general elections for quite some time now. The threat is spread right from the Nepal border to Tamil Nadu.

Fifty-three districts have been identified as 'highly affected' , while 17 are 'moderately affected.' 52 districts 'less affected' and 21 as possible targets of naxal activities.

The affected states namely Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu have failed to crush them on their own. Bihar, Jharkhand and Andhra Pradesh have been facing the problem eternally.

According to a Union home ministry assessment, Maoist or Naxalite violence is of serious concern in 12 of India's biggest states.

This time the centre has interviened and stepped up its efforts to avoid naxal attacks during the elections. Even the Election Commission is taking steps in the direction. Security has been geared up.

Fact is that police could do little in the last elections to stop the naxal attacks. Keeping this in mind the para military forces and armed forces have been engaged to take up the task.

This time election as a whole seems to be the target of the naxalites. The first phase of general elections on April 20 will be crucial on this count as most of the naxalite-affected constituencies in Jharkhand and Bihar go to the polls on that day. Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand seem to be the biggest challanges for the forces.

In light of all this terrorism and bundh calls by the naxals and security efforts, we can only hope that the voters are able to cast there votes.