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Rajasthan Elections 2023 : In a high-stakes electoral battle between the Congress and the BJP, Rajasthan witnessed a substantial voter turnout, surpassing 73%. The provisional voter turnout reached 73.92% by 6 pm, as reported by an election commission official.
Chief Electoral Officer Praveen Gupta mentioned that the final voting figures would be released after data compilation. The polling percentage was 68.24% by 5 pm, with Jaisalmer district leading in voter turnout, followed by Hanumangarh and Dholpur.
Polling took place at over 51,000 booths across 199 assembly constituencies from 7 am to 6 pm. Voters already in queue at polling booths by closing time were permitted to cast their votes. The results are scheduled to be announced on December 3.
Addressing concerns about repolling due to clashes, officials stated that decisions would be made based on observer reports. Despite some incidents of violence, there were no reports of the voting process being halted.
Election Chief Praveen Gupta acknowledged EVM malfunctions at some booths but noted that the numbers were below the national average. The Election Commission aims for a minimum 75% turnout in each constituency, surpassing the 2018 figure of 74.06%.
The Karanpur Assembly constituency in Sriganganagar witnessed postponed polling due to the unfortunate demise of the Congress candidate.
Tragically, two individuals, including a BJP polling agent and a 62-year-old voter, passed away from suspected cardiac arrest at polling booths in Pali and Udaipur districts.
With over 5.25 crore registered voters and 1,862 candidates in contention, the Election Commission deployed more than 1.70 lakh security personnel to ensure smooth polling.
Several incidents of violence were reported, including stone-pelting in Sanwler village, clashes in Sikar’s Fatehpur, and disruptions in Dholpur’s Bari seat. Polling in Uniara, Tonk, saw an attempt by 40-50 people to enter a polling booth, but authorities successfully regained control.
The Congress, aiming to break the five-year anti-incumbency trend, faces a determined BJP seeking a return to power ahead of next year’s Lok Sabha polls.
Voters, from college students to the elderly, queued up well before 7 am at polling centers. Political leaders, including Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Union ministers, and former chief ministers, were among the early voters, expressing confidence in their parties securing the people’s mandate.
Despite differing opinions on an ‘undercurrent,’ both parties await the results on December 3, anticipating a decisive outcome in the political landscape of Rajasthan.
