32-year old woman of Kanungopada, whom we met on Sunday afternoon.

She could not control her tears as she blurted out, "We have not gone to cast our votes. We are not allowed to do that. Last night, hundreds of Communist Party of India-Marxist cadres from Khejuri came to our place and threatened us with widowhood if we cast our votes."

"They came with white dhotis," she added, stifling a sob, "and said you would have to wear it all your life if you voice your opinion."

She then rolled up her sari to show how she was beaten up by CPI-M loyalists a few days ago.

She did not disclose her name, nor did she allow us to take her photograph. "Didi, they will kill me," she reasoned as her neighbour kept a strict vigil so that no CPI-M loyalist was around to eavesdrop on the conversation.

No, our government will not take any action. because obviously, they too are at the mercy of CPI(M). I don't think anyone else will rush to their plight. Will someone in ruling party hear this? or they have become immune to the plight of poorest of poor.

I remember Sardar Patel's words today. quote"the communists are as good or as bad imperialists as any other." Unquote.