In Bundelkhand, dacoits still call the shots

In the assembly elections of 2007, the slogan "Mohar lagegi haathi par, goli lagegi chaati pe, naak milegi ghaati mein" (The stamp will be on the elephant, the bullet in the chest, and the nose in the ravine) resonated through the region making clear which party the dacoits were supporting.

This year, Congress candidate Vivek Kumar Singh alleged: "The dacoits are terrorising people to support the Samajwadi Party. It is impossible for us to campaign."

Raja Yadav, founder of the Anand Dham Samiti, an organisation that has been working on water issues in the region for the last decade, says that unlike the dacoits of yore who picked up guns to protest the injustices of the feudal order or avenge personal wrongs, banditry is now a means of gaining influence.

"Young men join the gangs because it ensures a handsome monthly salary. Dacoits support political parties in exchange for money and also get a cut in the development funds meant for the region," he said.