The first phase of Chhattisgarh Assembly elections 2023 is set to unfold in 20 constituencies, with a keen focus on the Naxal-affected Bastar division. This critical phase involves a substantial deployment of personnel and resources to ensure a smooth and secure voting process.
The first phase of Chhattisgarh Assembly elections occurred on November 7, 2023, covering 20 of 90 constituencies. Over 25,000 staff and 60,000 security personnel ensured smooth polling. A second phase is planned for November 19, with results due on December 8. The BJP, in power for three terms, faces the INC, seeking a comeback after 15 years. The elections, marked by challenges like Maoist insurgency and socio-economic issues, saw a 68.5% turnout. The tight contest between BJP and INC, with the latter posing a significant challenge, hinges on the second phase’s results.
Detailed Description:
- Date and Time: The voting for the first phase is scheduled for Tuesday, with timings varying across constituencies. Ten seats will have voting from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., while the remaining ten will conduct polls between 8 am and 5 p.m.
- Deployment of Personnel: A massive deployment of 25,249 personnel is planned to manage the voting process. This includes 60,000 security personnel, with 40,000 from the Central Armed Police Forces, particularly for the 12 constituencies in the Naxal-affected Bastar division.
- Polling Infrastructure: The state has prepared 5,304 polling booths, with webcasting facilities available in 2,431 booths. Notably, 156 poll parties have been airlifted to certain districts, while others have been dispatched by buses.
- Voter Demographics: An estimated 40,78,681 voters, including 19,93,937 males, 20,84,675 females, and 69 third-gender persons, are eligible to vote. They will decide the fate of 223 candidates, including 25 women.
- Key Candidates: Prominent figures include Chhattisgarh Congress chief Deepak Baij, several ministers from the ruling party, and former chief minister Raman Singh from the BJP. Additionally, the Aam Aadmi Party and independent candidates are also in the fray.
- Constituency Details: Of the 20 seats, 12 are reserved for Scheduled Tribes and one for Scheduled Castes. Rajnandgaon has the highest number of contestants, while Chitrakot and Dantewada have the lowest.
- Political Campaign Themes: The BJP focused on promises as “Modi’s guarantees,” while the Congress campaigned on welfare schemes and accused the Centre of favoring industrialists. The first phase of campaigning witnessed heated exchanges over various issues, including religious conversion and law and order.
- Historical Context: The Congress currently holds 71 seats in the 90-member Assembly. In the 2018 polls, it secured a significant victory over the BJP, which had been in power since 2003.
This election phase is crucial for both major parties, as it sets the tone for the remaining stages of the electoral battle in Chhattisgarh.
