Assembly Elections 2023: Voting is underway for the 40-seat Mizoram assembly and on 20 constituencies of the 90-seat Chhattisgarh assembly amid tight security. 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 32.68 per cent turnout till 11 am. People are standing in queues waiting for their turns to cast votes. Politicians of various parties have expressed hope for a high voter turnout this time in both states.


Earlier in the day, PM Narendra Modi urged the people of Chhattisgarh and Mizoram to vote and participate in the festival of democracy. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, he said, "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!


"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," the PM added.


Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge also requested people to vote in large numbers. He asked 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.


Making an appeal to voters of Chhattisgarh, Congress MP 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.