Chhattisgarh poll: PM Modi's vote appeal as Rahul Gandhi reminds voters of Congress guarantees

In the first phase of Chhattisgarh’s 90-seat assembly election, held amidst stringent security measures involving police and paramilitary forces, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi made their respective appeals to the electorate.

Prime Minister Modi took to social media to encourage Chhattisgarh’s voters to participate in this sacred festival of democracy. He specifically congratulated the state’s young voters who were casting their ballots for the first time, emphasizing the importance of their participation in this electoral process.

Voters queue up outside a polling booth in Kondagaon as they await their turn to cast a vote in the first phase of Assembly elections.

Rahul Gandhi, the Congress leader, also appealed to Chhattisgarh’s voters, reminding them of the trustworthy government his party promises. He highlighted the Congress’s guarantees to the state, which include farmers’ loan waivers, the purchase of 20 quintals of paddy per acre, financial assistance of ₹10,000 per year to landless individuals, a minimum support price of ₹3,200 for paddy, and bonuses for tendu leaves and tendu patta, among other benefits. He reassured voters that the Congress would deliver on these promises.

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel released the Congress party’s manifesto, titled ‘Bharose ka Ghoshna Patra 2023–28,’ pledging to conduct a caste census and provide a ₹500 subsidy on gas cylinders if the party comes to power.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge encouraged voters, especially the youth, to participate in the electoral process, expressing confidence in fair governance and the preservation of democratic values.

Voting in the first phase commenced under heavy security, particularly in the Maoist-affected Bastar division. Polling took place from 7 am to 3 pm in ten assembly constituencies and from 8 am to 5 pm in the remaining ten seats in this phase. Unfortunately, a CRPF commando was injured in an IED blast triggered by Maoists in Sukma district while conducting security operations for the elections.

A total of 223 candidates, including 25 women, contested in these 20 seats, with 40,78,681 eligible voters as per electoral rolls. The ruling Congress and the opposition BJP were the main contenders for power in the state.

The remaining 70 seats are scheduled to vote on November 17 in the second and final phase, with the vote count set for December 3.