BHOPAL: Campaigning for Assembly Elections in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh concluded on Wednesday. Polling for all 230 assembly constituencies of Madhya Pradesh and 70 constituencies under the second phase in Chhattisgarh will be held on Friday, November 17, 2023.


Tight Security Ahead Of Polling In MP


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Polling is scheduled to commence at 7 AM, with 5.6 crore voters spread across 230 constituencies. This includes 2.88 crore male voters, 2.72 crore female voters, and a notable 22.36 lakh young voters participating for the first time. Security measures are stringent, with polling teams set to reach stations by Thursday evening. Notably, there are 510 critical polling stations, 1044 with webcasting, and 125 undergoing videography. Micro observers and sector officers have been strategically deployed to ensure a fair and secure electoral process.


2049 EVMs & VVPAT Machines, 300 Polling Stations


A total of 2049 EVMs and VVPAT machines will be utilized in seven assembly constituencies. Additionally, 20 per cent CU, 20 per cent BU, and 30 per cent VVPAT have been reserved. The district boasts 300 model polling stations and 111 women-only polling stations, highlighting a commitment to inclusive voting practices.


BJP Vs Congress


Madhya Pradesh's upcoming election holds significant implications, serving as a litmus test for the BJP's endurance after 18 years in power and the Congress's ability to regain control after the 2020 debacle. Notably, the BJP adopts a "collective leadership" approach, steering away from projecting Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan as the clear choice, while Congress unequivocally supports Kamal Nath.


Modi Magic Vs Incumbency 


BJP's strategy includes fielding candidates from diverse backgrounds, relying on the popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Conversely, Congress emphasizes issues such as "corruption," "unemployment," "price rise," and "farmers' problems." The election also marks a crucial moment for Jyotiraditya Scindia, who orchestrated defections leading to the fall of the Kamal Nath government in 2020.


Big Promises, Loan Waivers 


Both parties unveil an array of promises to woo voters. Congress pledges initiatives like the Old Pension Scheme, caste census, health insurance, and agricultural loan waivers. On the other hand, the BJP commits to Ladli Laxmi Yojana, affordable education, and support price hikes for agricultural produce.


The Road Ahead


Madhya Pradesh, a state dominated by agriculture, witnesses political parties vying for the farmer vote. BJP's Ladli Behna Yojana and Congress' Nandini Godhan Yojana for cow dung purchase are emblematic of this focus. With promises ranging from employment schemes to electricity benefits, the parties strive to capture the diverse needs of the electorate.


As Madhya Pradesh braces for a pivotal election, the outcome will reverberate beyond state boundaries. The state's political landscape awaits a transformation, and the citizens hold the power to shape its future. The counting of votes, scheduled for December 3 along with four other states, will unveil the next chapter in Madhya Pradesh's political narrative.


Chhattisgarh


Polling for seventy seats in the second phase of assembly elections will be held in Chhattisgarh tomorrow. State Chief Electoral Officer Reena Babasaheb Kangale talking to media persons in Raipur said that all the preparations have been done for the voting. Polling parties are reaching their designated polling stations after receiving the polling material. A total of 9 hundred and 58 candidates are in the fray in this phase.


Prominent among them are Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, state Assembly Speaker Dr Charandas Mahant, Deputy Chief Minister T S Singhdev, BJP state president Arun Sao, Leader of Opposition Narayan Chandel and Union Minister of State Renuka Singh. A total of eighteen thousand eight hundred thirty-three polling stations have been set up in the state for voting. Out of these, 7 hundred 27 are Sangwari booths where women polling personnel have been deployed.
 
Ninety thousand 2 hundred 72 personnel have been deployed to conduct peaceful and fair elections. These include 75 thousand 3 hundred 32 polling personnel and 14 thousand 9 hundred 40 reserve personnel. Apart from polling teams, 1 thousand 9 hundred 62 sector officers have been deployed for the elections. Meanwhile, the candidates are going door-to-door appealing to the voters to vote in their favour.