Jaipur, Nov 25: The Election Commission reported a 9.77% voter turnout in Rajasthan for 199 assembly constituencies by 9:30 am on Saturday. Commencing at 7 am after an intense campaign period by major political parties, including the Congress and BJP, the polling witnessed a considerable early morning participation. Unfortunately, the polling for the Karanpur assembly constituency was adjourned due to the untimely demise of Congress candidate Gurmeet Singh Koonar.
Voters, who patiently lined up outside their designated booths as the polling process unfolded, are eligible to cast their votes until 6 pm. The Election Commission assured that adequate security measures have been put in place to facilitate a peaceful and fair election process.
A total of 1,02,290 security personnel have been deployed to oversee the voting procedures, including 69,114 police personnel, 32,876 Rajasthan Home Guard, Forest Guard, and RAC personnel, along with 700 companies of CAPF. The focus is on ensuring a secure environment for the citizens to exercise their democratic rights.
The political landscape is charged as the ruling Congress seeks another term, while the BJP aims to replace the Ashok Gehlot government, relying on the popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Key figures in the electoral battle include Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, former CM Vasundhara Raje, former Deputy CM Sachin Pilot, Congress national spokesperson Gourav Vallabh, Union Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore, Vishwaraj Singh Mewar, Rajasthan Assembly Speaker CP Joshi, and Rajasthan LoP Rajendra Rathore.
Despite efforts to persuade rebel candidates to withdraw, around 45 candidates from both the BJP and Congress, including MLAs, former MLAs, and party officials, are still in the electoral fray. The counting of votes is scheduled for December 3, with memories of the 2018 elections when the Congress secured 99 seats, closely followed by the BJP at 73. Gehlot assumed the role of Chief Minister with the support of BSP MLAs and Independents.
