Chhattisgarh Assembly Elections 2023: A Look Back at The Polling, Alliances And Results of 2018 Election Ahead of State Vidhan Sabha Polls
In an eagerly awaited announcement, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has unveiled the election schedule for Chhattisgarh, setting the stage for a high-stakes political battle.
Raipur, October 9: In an eagerly awaited announcement, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has unveiled the election schedule for Chhattisgarh, setting the stage for a high-stakes political battle. The polls in this central Indian state will be conducted in two phases, with voting scheduled for November 7 and November 17. The results will be declared on December 3, with the ECI ensuring that the electoral process is completed ahead of December 5.
The forthcoming elections in Chhattisgarh are poised to witness a fierce contest primarily between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress. In the previous assembly elections held in 2018, the Congress secured a remarkable victory, capturing 68 out of the 90 seats with a substantial vote share of 43.4%. Meanwhile, the BJP managed to secure only 15 seats, garnering a vote share of 32.97%.
Additionally, the ECI has been increasingly focused on promoting inclusivity in the electoral process. Special provisions, such as home voting and accessible polling stations, have been introduced to facilitate the participation of persons with disabilities, senior citizens aged 80 or above, and particularly vulnerable tribal groups. Apart from Chhattisgarh, the Election Commission of India has also announced the election schedule for Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Mizoram, and Rajasthan. The completion of elections in Chhattisgarh before December 5 marks a crucial step in the electoral calendar. Assembly Election 2023 Schedule: Check Polling and Result Dates for Vidhan Sabha Polls in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram.
2018 Landslide Victory for Congress
The 2018 Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly election saw a dramatic shift in power, as the Congress won 68 seats. Whereas the BJP managed to secure only 15 seats, marking the end of its 15-year rule. The incumbent Chief Minister Raman Singh took responsibility for the BJP's defeat and resigned on the day of the result announcement. Bhupesh Baghel, an INC leader elected from Patan, assumed office as the state's third Chief Minister on December 17. Chhattisgarh Assembly Election 2023: Congress Banks on Welfare Schemes, Bhupesh Baghel for 2nd Innings in Office; BJP Eyes Strong Comeback.
Peaceful but Incident-Prone Elections
While Chhattisgarh's election turnout in 2018 was 76.35%, a minor drop from 2013, it witnessed some disruptions due to Naxalite activity. Security personnel were deployed extensively across affected districts, and incidents such as IED blasts and encounters occurred during the first phase of polling. Despite these challenges, the elections progressed, culminating in the Congress's victory and a significant political shift in the state. As Chhattisgarh prepares for another round of crucial elections, the state will be closely watched to determine whether the Congress can maintain its hold or if the BJP can stage a comeback.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 09, 2023 04:32 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).