The month-long assembly elections began on Tuesday, November 7, with Chhattisgarh and Mizoram heading to the polls. The first phase of polling in Chhattisgarh will determine the fate of 223 candidates, including 25 women, vying for victory across 20 seats. In parallel, Mizoram conducts its polling in a single phase for its 40-member assembly.
The second phase of polling in Chhattisgarh is scheduled for November 17, while Rajasthan and Telangana are set to undergo single-phase voting on November 25 and 30, respectively. The counting of votes in all these states will be held on December 3.
These assembly elections have been closely watched as they are viewed as a litmus test for the BJP at the Centre, the newly formed opposition INDIA bloc, and the various regional parties in the contest. The outcomes are poised to exert significant influence on the strategies shaping up for the forthcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached out to the young and first-time voters in Mizoram and Chhattisgarh, urging them to exercise their franchise and fortify the festival of democracy. In a tweet directed at Mizoram voters, PM Modi stated, “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.”
Furthermore, PM Modi added, “Today is the sacred festival of democracy in Chhattisgarh. I request all the voters of the first phase of assembly elections to cast their vote 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!”
