Election Voting 2023 Highlights: Cong Will Win 14-16 Seats In First Phase, Chhattisgarh Deputy CM Says
Assembly Election 2023 Voting Highlights: Follow this page for all the latest updates on polling in Mizoram and the phase-1 voting in Chhattisgarh
"The final polling figures are not out yet. The Congress will win. (We will win) 14-16 seats in the first phase and 45 out of 70 seats in the second phase," says Chhattisgarh Deputy CM TS Singh Deo. (PTI)
"When he (Mizoram CM) came to cast his vote early morning, there was a technical problem and at that time, he was not able to cast his vote. But, our polling personnel resolved the matter and the polling commenced thereafter and there was no need to even change the EVM. At 9:46 am, sir came back and he cast his vote successfully," said Nazuk Kumar, District Election Officer, Aizawl, on technical glitch in EVM at a polling booth in Aizawl while Mizoram CM Zoramthanga tried to cast his vote earlier today. (PTI)
71% turnout in Chhattisgarh Phase-1 polling, 77% in Mizoram, ECI informed in its Turnout app.
Voting has concluded in most parts of Naxal-affected Kawardha in Kabirdham district of Chhattisgarh, PTI reported.
"The voting was held peacefully. Even after 5 pm, tokens were distributed and queues were seen in both Pandariya and Kawardha. Even people in rural areas affected by Naxal were very excited for voting," says SP Abhishek Pallava.
"Priyanka Gandhi is a leader who can't even speak the written speech properly, people go and watch her only because she belongs from the Gandhi family. During the initial days we thought that we'd become a strong opponent in Chhattisgarh but now it looks like we'll form the government,” says BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya, as per PTI.
Voting concludes in Mizoram Assembly elections, sealing of EVMs and VVPATs begins at polling booth in Aizawl's Zarkwat
Former Chhattisgarh CM Raman Singh casts his vote in Naxal-affected Kawardha in Chhattisgarh. "Elections in Chhattisgarh are being fought on the issues of five years of Bhupesh government's corruption, their false promises and holding back development," he said, as per PTI.
Former Chhattisgarh CM and BJP candidate Raman Singh says, "...BJP is winning at least 14 seats out of 20 on which voting is taking place in the first phase...There is a 30% share of (Chhattisgarh CM) Bhupesh Baghel in the Mahadev betting App (scam), PM Modi has made that clear. ED has proved it, a money transaction of Rs 508 crores is clearly visible". (ANI)
A groom reached a polling station in Naxal-affected Narayanpur in Chhattisgarh to cast his vote.
Four security personnel injured in encounter with Naxalites near Minpa village in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district: Police (PTI)
Three security personnel were injured in an exchange of fire with Naxals near Minpa in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh, ANI reported.
An encounter broke out between Naxalites and BSF and DRG teams in the Bande police station area of Kanker district. AK47 recovered from the incident site. Search is going on in the area. Some Naxalites likely to be injured or killed: Chhattisgarh Police
As of 1 PM, 44.56 per cent of voters turned up to exercise their franchise in Chhattisgarh while Mizoram recorded a turnout of 52.69 per cent, according to the data of the Election Commission of India (ECI).
An encounter broke out between the Special Task Force (STF) and Naxals in the forest area near Orchha police station in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur. STF personnel are safe as Naxals fled amid the encounter. According to ANI, the area is being searched. The viral information circulating on social media about polling booths being gheraoed by the Naxals is wrong and the voting is going on.
Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel says, "Who has been caught with money, he has a photo with Raman Singh... The day before yesterday, no one knew Shubham Soni. All of a sudden, he has become the owner of the Mahadev app... And he is such an owner who spends Rs 250 crores on the wedding of his servant. He would be the first person to do this... Two officers used to live with Raman Singh, and they used to make similar stories... This is all planted. This means that the BJP has accepted its defeat..."
Sundarraj Pattilingam, Inspector General of Police - Bastar Range, Chhattisgarh says, "Elaborate security arrangements have been made for smooth voting process. Out of over 2,900 polling booths, 600 polling booths are considered to be in the high security zone in Bastar region. A three-layer security cordon has been prepared for these polling booths."
Congress candidate from Chitrakoot (ST) seat in Chhattisgarh, Deepak Baij casts his vote.
Naxals fired at DRG personnel deployed for the outer cordon around 2 kilometres away from Banda polling station early this morning. Sukma police said that the security forces retaliated and the firing from the Naxals' side stopped after 10 minutes. Police said all the jawans are safe and voting is underway, reported ANI.
Mizoram Polls: On the assembly elections, Rajya Sabha MP and MNF Party candidate K Vanlalvena says, "I will be the winner in these elections... Wherever I visit within my constituency, everybody loves me for my good work...The main agenda will be the development of my constituency and employment problems..."
He is contesting elections from Aizawl South-1 seat.
Mizoram Elections: Opposition ZPM (Zoram People's Movement) candidate Lalnghinglova Hmar says, "...From our side, one of the poll promises is strengthening the existing Lokayukta. We have Lokayukta only for the namesake. It doesn't really have the manpower to work. If you want to fight corruption, you have to strengthen it. We also promised that we will bring in CBI, that alone could be a game-changer..."
According to the official data of the Election Commission of India (ECI), Chhattisgarh recorded a voter turnout of 22.97 per cent while Mizoram witnessed a 27.14 per cent turnout. People are standing in queues waiting for their turns to cast votes till 11 am.
Chhattisgarh Elections: Former CM and BJP leader Raman Singh says, "We (BJP) will win 14 out of 20 seats, including Rajnandgaon and Bastar. Our campaign was successful." In phase-1, polling is being held on 20 seats of the 90 assembly constituencies.
Singh is contesting polls from Rajnandgaon.
Chhattisgarh Elections: Bastar IG P Sundarraj says, "Polling is being held in 12 Assembly constituencies of Bastar division. Adequate security arrangements have been made in all areas. We have special security forces too. Arrangements are in place to ensure that all voters cast their vote in a safe environment. We appeal to the people to exericse their franchise safely."
AAP MP Sandeep Pathak extends wishes to "those who are contesting elections today. I pray for positive and good politics in the country," on the first phase of assembly elections in Chhattisgarh and Mizoram.
Chhattisgarh Elections: Union minister Anurag Thakur said, "Bhupesh Baghel is running away from questions (regarding Mahadev betting app case). He is not able to answer the people or the investigating agencies or the media."
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge asks the people of Mizoram to vote for a peaceful government and usher in change.
"People of Mizoram are looking towards protecting their culture, customs, land, forest and the Mizo way of life. They want a peaceful, stable, development oriented government. Today is the time to choose it. Welcome our first time voters to participate in this democratic process for a better future. Urge our sisters and brothers of Mizoram to participate in large numbers and usher in change," he said in a post on X.
Mizoram CM Zoramthanga casts his vote, says, "I believe that we shall be able to form the government and we shall be having an overwhelming victory in my constituency 'Aizawl East 1'."
Chhattisgarh Elections: CM and Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel says, "Naxalism has retreated to a great extent with the work we have done in 5 years. As a result, polling booths have been set up inside villages. People will vote in their village itself. There is a possibility of high voting percentage in naxal affected areas."
"...Congress manifesto mentions all of these...Chhattisgarh Congress has always stood for the welfare of common people..." he added.
In a post in Hindi on X, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said, "Chhattisgarhiya sable badhiya! Today the first phase of voting has started in Chhattisgarh state. We appeal to every voter, especially the youth who are voting for the first time, to vote." "We have full confidence that just governance in Chhattisgarh will continue and faith in democracy will remain intact," he said.
In a post in Hindi on X, Rahul Gandhi said, "When you exercise your franchise, remember, Congress' trustworthy government once again in Chhattisgarh." "Congress's guarantee to Chhattisgarh: Farmers loan waiver; purchase of 20 quintal/acre paddy; Rs 10,000/year to the landless; Rs 3,200 MSP on paddy; Rs 6,000/sack on tendu leaves; Rs 4000/year bonus for Tendupatta; 200 units electricity free; Rs 500 subsidy on gas cylinder; free education from KG to PG; free treatment up to Rs 10 lakh; housing for 17.5 lakh families; caste census." "Whatever we promise, we deliver" the former Congress president asserted.
Former Chhattisgarh CM and BJP leader Raman Singh performs pooja at his residence before casting his vote for Chhattisgarh Assembly elections from Rajnandgaon.
A 96-year-old visually impaired voter, Pu Zadawla who refused to cast his vote through postal ballot has cast his vote today in 1417 Saron Veng-II, Aizawl for the Mizoram Assembly elections.
A voter turnout of 9.33 per cent has been recorded in Chhattisgarh after two hours of voting till 9 am, according to the data of the Election Commission of India. In Mizoram, 7.67 per cent of voters have turned up so far to exercise their franchise.
Chhattisgarh Elections: Voting is being held in the naxal-affected Karigundam area in Sukma after 23 years. The polling process is being held under the security cover by CRPF 150 Battalion and District Force.
Mizoram Assembly Elections: Pu Rualhnudala, 101 years old and his wife Pi Thanghleithluaii, 86 years old cast their votes at 24/18 Ruantlang PS under 24-Champhai South Assembly Constituency.
Chhattisgarh Elections: A first-time voter, Anisha speaks to ANI, "...We expect all our issues to be resolved...Many a time candidates say that they will resolve the issues but leave (after elections) to not be seen anywhere."
Congress candidate from Kondagaon assembly constituency in Chhattisgarh, Mohan Markam says: "There is no difficulty. People are enthusiastic and we believe that we will be successful in forming the government again based on the work that our government has done in the last 5 years."
Mizoram Elections: Congress president Lalsawta casts vote at polling booth in Aizawl West 3 seat. He said, "We are confident that we will be able to form the government."
Chhattisgarh Elections: State Minister and Congress candidate from Konta Assembly Constituency, Kawasi Lakhma cast his vote for the Assembly elections at polling booth number 36 in the Konta Assembly constituency.
"We are fighting on the issue of development, security and peace. Several development works have been done here in the last 5 years. I won from a margin of 6,700 votes and this year, I will win with a bigger margin..." Lakhma said.
Chhattisgarh Elections: Congress candidate from Bastar, Lakheshwar Baghel, says, "Be it first-time voters or existing ones, the public is very much aware this time and the voter turnout is likely to be more than 80 per cent."
Mizoram Elections: Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati casts his vote at a polling booth in Aizawl South - II. State Congress chief Lalsawta casts his vote at a polling station in Mission Vengthlang of Aizawl.
Mizoram Elections: CM and MNF president Zoramthanga failed to cast his vote.
He said, "Because the machine was not working. I was waiting for some time. But since the machine could not work I said that I will visit my constituency and vote after the morning meal."
Chhattisgarh Election 2023: BJP candidate from Kondagaon Assembly constituency, Lata Usendi, casts her vote.
Chhattisgarh Elections: After casting his vote, Congress candidate Mohan Markam from Kondagaon says "I am confident that I will win for the third time from Kondagaon. BJP cannot compete with Congress in Chhattisgarh, that is why they are using ED...."
Mizoram Elections: CM Zoramthanga says that in order to form a government, 21 seats are needed. "We hope that we will be able to get more than that, maybe 25 or more. I believe that we will have a comfortable majority," he added.
Mizoram Elections: CM Zoramthanga says, "It will not be a hung Assembly. It will be MNF Government. I have full confidence in that."
"BJP is not an alliance partner. NDA is there in the Centre. Here in the state, we don't have any alliance with BJP or any other party...We are only a partner of the NDA in the Centre, here in the state we support the NDA on issue based," he said after casting his vote.
Chhattisgarh Assembly Elections 2023: BJP candidate from Narayanpur, Kedar Kashyap casts his vote at polling booth number 212 in Bhanpuri Assembly Constituency.
"A large number of people are present here to cast their votes which shows that people in the state want to remove Congress Government from Chhattisgarh. I would like to appeal to everyone to cast maximum votes for BJP..." he said.
Mizoram Elections: CM and MNF president Zoramthanga says, "Even with the COVID in which there was a great problem all over the world, we fought more or less successfully against COVID...Despite that, here in Mizoram we did a lot of developmental works...Therefore, I believe that in order to continue the works that we have laid down we shall be able to form the Government..."
PM Narendra Modi urges people of Chhattisgarh and Mizoram to vote.
"Today is the sacred festival of democracy in Chhattisgarh. I request all the voters of the first phase of assembly elections to cast their votes and become participants of this festival. On this occasion, my special congratulations to all the young friends of the state who voted for the first time!" PM shared in a post on X.
"I call upon the people of Mizoram to vote in record numbers. I particularly urge the young and first time voters to exercise their franchise and strengthen the festival of democracy," PM Modi said.
Voters stand in a queue outside a polling booth in the Bhanpuri Assembly Constituency to cast vote for the Chhattisgarh election.
Mizoram Elections 2023: Chief Minister of Mizoram Zoramthanga arrives to cast his vote at 19-Aizawl Venglai-I YMA Hall polling station under Aizawl North-II assembly constituency.
One jawan of CRPF CoBRA Battalion, who was deployed for election duty, injured in an IED blast triggered by naxals in the Tondamarka area of Sukma, says Sukma SP Kiran Chavan, reports ANI.
Voting for the 40-seat Mizoram assembly and phase-1 of the 90-seat Chhattisgarh assembly begins. Today, 20 constituencies in Chhattisgarh will vote.
Background
Assembly Election 2023 Voting Highlights: Hello and welcome to the Assembly Elections Live blog of ABP Live. Follow this space for all the latest news and developments on polling in Mizoram and the phase-1 voting in Chhattisgarh.
The electoral process for Mizoram's 40-member assembly and the first phase of Assembly polls in Chhattisgarh have begun with robust security arrangements to ensure peaceful and secure voting experiences.
Mizoram Election 2023 Voting
In Mizoram, polling stations opened their doors at 7 a.m. and will remain accessible until 4 p.m. Approximately 8.57 lakh voters, including 4.39 lakh women, are eligible to cast their votes in this crucial election. The outcome will determine the fate of 174 candidates contesting for the 40 assembly seats. The major contenders in the elections include the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF), the principal opposition Zoram People's Movement (ZPM), and the Congress, with each fielding candidates for every seat.
Notably, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is competing in 23 seats, while the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has candidates in four seats. Additionally, 27 independent candidates have joined the electoral process.
Prominent candidates in this election include MNF leader and Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga, who is contesting from the Aizawl East-I seat against Congress candidate Lalsanglura Ralte and ZPM's Lalthansanga. ZPM founder Lalduhoma is another key contestant, competing from the Serchhip constituency. Congress chief Lalsawta is running from Aizawl West-III, and BJP state unit president Vanlalhmuaka is contesting from the Dampa constituency.
Mizoram Deputy Chief Minister Tawnluia, who is also the MNF vice-president and the oldest candidate at 80 years old, is competing in the Tuichang constituency.
Chhattisgarh Election 2023 Phase-1 Voting
Chhattisgarh is witnessing the first phase of Assembly polls, with comprehensive security measures in place, especially in the Naxal-affected Bastar division. A total of 25,249 personnel have been deployed to ensure a peaceful and secure voting process.
This first phase includes 20 constituencies, each with different voting hours. Ten seats, including Mohla-Manpur, Antagarh, Bhanupratappur, Kanker, Keshkal, Kondagaon, Narayanpur, Dantewada, Bijapur, and Konta, will have polling from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The remaining ten seats, including Khairagarh, Dongargarh, Rajnandgaon, Dongargaon, Khujji, Pandariya, Kawardha Bastar, Jagdalpur, and Chitrakot, will conduct voting from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Some prominent candidates in this phase include Chhattisgarh Congress Chief and MP Deepak Baij (Chitrakot), ministers Kawasi Lakhma (Konta), Mohan Markam (Kondagaon), Mohammad Akbar (Kawardha), and Chhavindra Karma (Dantewada), the son of the late leader Mahendra Karma.
Former Chief Minister Raman Singh from the BJP is running from Ranjangaon, facing Congress' Girish Dewangan, the chairman of Chhattisgarh State Mineral Development Corporation. Other notable BJP candidates include four former ministers and former IAS officer Neelkanth Tekam (Keshkal).
The Aam Aadmi Party's state unit chief, Komal Hupendi, is vying for the Bhanupratappur seat, while MLA Anup Nag, who was denied a ticket by the Congress, is running as an Independent candidate from Antagarh.
These elections are closely watched as they will have a significant impact on the political landscape in both Mizoram and Chhattisgarh.
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