As the Rajasthan Assembly Elections unfolded on Saturday, the state registered a voter turnout of 9.77% across 199 assembly constituencies by 9:30 am, according to information provided by the Election Commission. The polling, which commenced at 7 am, follows an intense campaign period by major political parties, including the ruling Congress and BJP.
However, voting for the Karanpur assembly constituency was adjourned due to the unfortunate demise of Congress candidate Gurmeet Singh Koonar. Despite this, voters outside polling booths can cast their votes until 6 pm.
Security arrangements have been diligently put in place to ensure a peaceful and fair electoral process. A total of 1,02,290 security personnel, comprising 69,114 police personnel, 32,876 Rajasthan Home Guard, Forest Guard, and RAC personnel, along with 700 companies of CAPF, have been deployed.
The electoral battle in Rajasthan involves the ruling Congress aiming for another term, while the BJP seeks to replace the Ashok Gehlot government, relying on the popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Notable candidates in the fray include Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, former CM Vasundhara Raje, former Deputy CM Sachin Pilot, and other prominent figures from both parties.
Despite efforts to persuade rebel candidates from the BJP and Congress to withdraw their names, around 45 rebel candidates from both parties, including MLAs, former MLAs, and party officials, remain in contention.
The vote-counting process is scheduled for December 3. In the 2018 elections, the Congress secured 99 seats, with the BJP closely following at 73. Gehlot assumed the Chief Minister’s position with the support of BSP MLAs and Independents. The electoral outcome is keenly awaited as Rajasthan decides its political landscape for the coming years.
