Sukma, Feb. 23 -- Naxal-hit Kerlapenda village in the Sukma district of Chhattisgarh, witnessed a historic moment as residents cast their votes for the first time since Independence.

This milestone, which occurred during the third phase of voting on Sunday, was a significant moment for the villagers, who had never been part of the electoral process before. One resident of Kerlapenda shared, "I have voted for the first time. We had never voted before."

Another resident said that the election was the first time the villagers got a chance to raise their demands in front of the political leaders.

"Voting is taking place after 75 years here. People from the nearby villages are also reaching out to cast their votes... I am happy that we will...