Polling begins for first phase of Assembly Elections in Chhattisgarh and single phase polling in Mizoram
Voting has begun for the first phase of Assembly elections in Chhattisgarh and single phase polling in Mizoram. In Chhattisgarh, voting is taking place for 20 seats today. Most of these constituencies are in Naxal-affected areas. Akashvani correspondent reports, 60,000 security personnel, including 40,000 from Central Armed Police Forces have been deployed for smooth conduct of polls in 12 constituencies of Naxal-hit Bastar division.
In Mizoram, voting is taking place for all 40 assembly seats in a single phase today. Polling, which began at 7 AM, will end at 4 PM. More than 8.57 lakh electorates, including 4 lakh 39 thousand 26 women, will decide the fate of 174 candidates. The ruling Mizo National Front, Indian National Congress and the Zoram People’s Movement have fielded candidates for all 40 seats, while BJP is contesting in 23 Assembly constituencies. Aam Aadmi Party is contesting in four Assembly segments. There are 27 Independent candidates are in the fray.
Out of the 1,276 voting centres in the state, 149 are remote polling stations. Around 30 polling stations along the inter-state and international borders have been declared critical and vulnerable.
Security has been tightened across the state and along international borders with Bangladesh and Myanmar. At least 3,000 policemen and 5,400 personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have been deployed for the polls. Chief Electoral Officer Madhup Vyas appealed to the voters, through Akashvani News, to come out in large numbers to exercise their franchise.
