Assembly Elections 2023 LIVE Updates: Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel says “No competition, we are more than 75 seats”

Madhya Pradesh assembly elections for 230 seats and the second phase of Chhattisgarh election for 70 seats in the fray has commenced today early morning.

Political heavyweights like Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, his deputy TS Singh Deo, eight state ministers, and four members of Parliament will find out their fate in today’s poll. 78% of voters turned out for the first round of elections for 20 seats, which took place on November 7.

The contest for Madhya Pradesh has revolved around welfare programs and cash transfers, a race to provide voters with short-term gratificaton rather than a long-term vision of economic development and inclusivity. Among the states hosting elections, MP has the lowest per capita income.

Voting started in MP from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm. There are 2,533 candidates running in the primary election between the opposition Congress and the ruling BJP. On Friday, a maximum of 5,60,60,925 voters are eligible to cast votes.

In the meantime, Chhattisgarh’s second phase of elections is scheduled to take place from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. But from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm, nine polling places in the Bindranawagarh area, which is affected by the Naxals, will be open for voting. There are 958 candidates running for these 70 seats.