Polling begins in Mizoram, 20 seats in Chhattisgarh; litmus test for 2024
The month-long assembly elections kicked off on Tuesday, November 7, with Chhattisgarh and Mizoram going to the polls.
The first phase of polling in Chhattisgarh will decide the fate of 223 candidates, including 25 women, across 20 seats. Meanwhile, Mizoram is conducting its polling in a single phase for its 40-member assembly.
The second phase of polling in Chhattisgarh will take place on November 17, while Rajasthan and Telangana will undergo single-phase voting on November 25 and 30 respectively. The counting of votes in all states will be conducted on December 3.
These assembly elections are seen as a litmus test for the BJP at the Centre, the newly formed opposition INDIA bloc and regional parties in the fray, and their outcome are certain to influence strategies for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
In Chhattisgarh, the main contest is between the ruling Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Congress is hoping for a second straight term in the state, but recent corruption charges against Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel involving the Mahadev Book App have landed the government in hot water. The BJP is looking to capitalise on the controversy and dent the Congress’s chances.
Mizoram, however, sees a more diverse political landscape with the Mizo National Front (MNF), Zoram Peoples’ Movement (ZPM), and Congress as primary contenders. The BJP is also contesting in 23 seats in Mizoram, while the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has fielded candidates in four seats.
Notable candidates in the fray in Chhattisgarh include former Chief Minister and BJP leader Dr Raman Singh, and Congress state unit chief and MP Deepak Baij. In Mizoram, MNF leader and current Chief Minister Zoramthanga, ZPM founder Lalduhoma, and state Congress chief Lalsawta are among the key contestants.
The Congress has made several promises to Chhattisgarh voters, including conducting a caste census, providing loan waivers to farmers, offering a Rs 500 subsidy on gas cylinders, and ensuring free education for students from economically weaker sections. The BJP, on the other hand, has targeted the ruling Congress over alleged corruption and surging paddy prices.
To ensure peaceful voting, robust security arrangements have been put in place. In Chhattisgarh, over 60,000 troops have been deployed, with more than 600 voting stations set up in the Naxal-hit Bastar division. In Mizoram, polling stations opened at 7 AM with stringent security measures to ensure a secure voting experience for the approximately 8.57 lakh voters.