Jaipur, November 25, 2023 – The state of Rajasthan, known for its vast deserts and rich cultural heritage, witnessed a significant political event as it went to the polls today to elect a new 200-member Rajasthan Legislative Elections 2023. The election is not just a battle for state supremacy but also a precursor to the national mood ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
The Battle Lines Are Drawn
The ruling Congress party, under the leadership of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, is seeking a consecutive term, banking on its governance record and developmental initiatives. In contrast, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, is looking to make a comeback, leveraging its national leadership and promises of development and good governance.
Rajasthan Legislative Elections 2023 :The COVID-19 Challenge
This election, conducted in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, has seen the state government implement unprecedented measures to ensure voter safety. These include the distribution of masks, sanitizers, and gloves, alongside the use of thermal scanners at polling booths. The Election Commission, acknowledging the pandemic’s challenges, extended voting hours to facilitate social distancing.
The Electoral Arithmetic
Pre-poll surveys and opinion polls have painted a mixed picture. The latest ABP News and CVoter survey suggests a tight race, with the BJP projected to win between 114 to 124 seats and Congress trailing with a projection of 67 to 77 seats. Interestingly, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot leads the popularity charts among chief ministerial candidates, with a significant margin over his rivals.
Voter Turnout and Key Constituencies
The voter turnout, a crucial indicator of public mood, stood at 55.3% by 3 PM. Jaisalmer district reported the highest turnout, while Jaipur saw the lowest. The election for Karanpur seat was postponed, marking a deviation from the otherwise smooth electoral process.
High-Octane Campaign
Both parties ran vigorous campaigns, with the Congress highlighting its achievements like the farm loan waiver scheme, free utilities for farmers, and effective management of the COVID-19 crisis. The BJP countered with allegations of misgovernance and corruption against the Congress, promising better governance and developmental projects. Accusations of violating the model code of conduct by using the official social media account for campaigning have added a layer of controversy.
The Role of Smaller Parties
The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and others are expected to play a crucial role, potentially influencing the government’s formation. Their performance might also indicate the voters’ inclination towards alternatives to the two major parties.
The Manifesto Promises
The BJP’s manifesto includes promises of implementing welfare schemes like PM Kisan Samman Nidhi and Laho Incentive Scheme, while the Congress has promised a caste-based census and laws to ensure minimum support prices for farmers.
Implications for National Politics
The outcome of the Rajasthan polls is expected to set the tone for upcoming national elections. A win for the Congress would bolster its position as a formidable opposition at the national level, while a BJP victory would be a significant boost for the party’s aspirations in the state and nationally.
Rajasthan Legislative Elections 2023: Peaceful Polling with Tragic Incidents in Pali and Udaipur Districts
Rajasthan Legislative Elections 2023 Polling began in Rajasthan at more than 51,000 polling booths at 7 am and will continue till 6 pm. Officials said voting was by and large peaceful across the state. However, two people – a polling agent of a candidate and an elderly voter – died of cardiac arrest at polling booths in Pali and Udaipur districts.
There are more than 5.25 crore registered voters in 199 seats, out of a total of 200 in the state. Polling in one constituency has been postponed due to the death of a candidate. The voters will decide the fate of 1,862 candidates.
The Final Countdown
With the polls closed and the state having witnessed a largely peaceful election, the focus now shifts to December 3, 2023, when the counting of votes will take place. The results are expected to provide insights into the electorate’s mood and set the stage for the political battles ahead, both in Rajasthan and at the national level.
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