Chhattisgarh Election 2023: Officials conclude voting, state records 75.68% voter turnout till 5 pm

Voting concluded in 20 of the 90 seats in the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly, marking the first phase of the state's elections. Campaigning leading up to the elections saw prominent political leaders make a final push for their respective parties. Over a month of campaigns, rallies, numerous speeches, massive blame games and rows have led to this day when the fate of candidates from 20 seats of the 90-seat assembly will be locked in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). As the state gears up for the polls, key issues and political rivalries come to the forefront.

According to Election Commission of India, 75.68% voter turnout was recorded till 5 pm.

High-stakes battle
The Congress has put its faith in incumbent Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel as the face of its campaign. In contrast, the BJP relies on the popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the potential influence of various central government schemes to win over voters. This election has significant implications for both parties, as they vie for dominance in the state's political landscape.

Congress' Triumph in 2018

In the last assembly elections in 2018, the Congress emerged victorious, ending the BJP's 15-year rule in Chhattisgarh. The Congress secured a landslide victory, clinching 68 seats, while the BJP was limited to just 18. The Congress formed the government after serving as the opposition party for over a decade and a half.

Chhattisgarh Election 2023: Key Constituencies

Raman Singh: The BJP has nominated former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh to contest from his long-held seat in Rajnandgaon, which he has retained since 2008. Singh is facing off against Congress leader Giris Devangan.

Santram Netam: Congress has selected the assembly deputy speaker and two-time MLA Santram Netam to run in Keshkal, while the BJP has put forward former IAS officer Neelkanth Tekam as its candidate.

Kawasi Lakhma: Chhattisgarh minister and Congress leader Kawasi Lakhma is vying for re-election from the Konta seat, which he previously won in the 2018 and 2013 polls. The BJP has fielded Soyam Muka as his opponent.

Kedar Kashyap: BJP heavyweight and former minister Kedar Kashyap is contesting against Congress candidate Chandan Kashyap in the Narayanpur constituency. Kedar Kashyap won this seat in 2013 but lost it to Chandan Kashyap in 2018.

Vinayak Goyal: BJP's Vinayak Goyal is competing against Chhattisgarh Congress president and MP Deepak Baij in the Chitrakoot constituency.

Mohammad Akbar: Congress MLA Mohammad Akbar, serving as the Minister of Transport in the Bhupesh Baghel government, is a prominent contender facing BJP's Vijay Sharma in the Kawardha constituency.

Phase-1 constituencies

Twenty assembly constituencies are part of the first phase of polling in Chhattisgarh. These constituencies include Pandariya, Kawardha, Khairagarh, Dongargarh (SC), Rajnandgaon, Dongargaon, Khujji, Mohla-Manpur (ST), Antagarh (ST), Bhanupratappur (ST), Kanker (ST), Keshkal (ST), Kondagaon (ST), Narayanpur (ST), Bastar (ST), Jagdalpur, Chitrakot (ST), Dantewada (ST), Bijapur (ST), and Konta (ST).

Stringent security measures:

The state police has taken extensive security measures. In the sensitive Bastar region, which encompasses 12 Assembly segments, more than 600 polling booths have been placed under a three-layered security cover.

A total of 60,000 security personnel have been deployed, comprising 40,000 from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and 20,000 from the state police. The Chhattisgarh police is also monitoring the situation through drones and helicopters to ensure a safe and secure voting process.