Chhattisgarh election HIGHLIGHTS | Final phase polling ends with 72 per cent turnout; Congress claims EVM tampering in party stronghold

Eyeing a fourth consecutive term, the BJP has set a target of winning 65 plus seats in the 90-member Assembly, while Congress is seeking to end its 15-year exile.

The second and final phase of the Chhattisgarh Assembly elections ended on Tuesday with 72 per cent voter turnout recorded till 5 pm across 72 constituencies. A total of 1,079 candidates, including former Chief Minister Ajit Jogi and his family, were in the fray.

Although polling was peaceful throughout the 19 districts, Congress alleged that the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) had taken attempts to tamper the Electronic Voting Machines( EVM) in 'party stronghold'. Voting was “interrupted in around two dozen polling stations” where technical glitches were reported in the electronic EVMs.

Meanwhile, a woman Naxal was gunned down in an encounter with security forces in Sukma district.

The second phase will decide if the BJP, that won 43 of the 72 seats in the 2013 Assembly polls, continues to be strong as the party aspires for the fourth consecutive term under the leadership of Chief Minister Raman Singh.

READ| Congress will return to power in Chhattisgarh: Veerappa Moily

Eyeing a fourth consecutive term, the BJP has set a target of winning 65 plus seats in the 90-member Assembly, while the Congress is seeking to end its 15-year exile from power in the tribal-dominated state.

The first phase of polling, held on November 12, covering 18 seats across Maoist-affected regions saw an overall voter turnout of 76.28 per cent.

110-year-old woman exercises her electoral franchise

110-year-old Magalin Bai Nishad, from Gariyaband District cast her vote in the second phase of Assembly election. (Photo| CEO Chhattisgarh)

Congress Party led by Chhattisgarh Incharge PL Punia coming-out after meet with Election Commission

Congress Party led by Chhattisgarh Incharge PL Punia coming-out after meet with Election Commission of India at Nirvachan Sadan. PL Punia complained to the Election Commission that three EVMs were found at the residence of the Headmaster of Chirmiri municipality. (Photo| Praveen Negi/ EPS)

WATCH| Polling underway in Raipur amidst technical snag

Congress leaders meet Election Commission over EVM tampering

A delegation of Congress leaders led by PL Punia meet the Election Commission in Delhi over alleging attempts to misuse and tamper EVMs in #Chhattisgarh. pic.twitter.com/6HFnHbS0SA

— ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2018

12.54 % voting recorded

12.54% voting recorded till 10 AM across 72 constituencies in the second phase of voting.

EVM snag in over two-dozen booths in Raipur, upset voters returning

The voters were seen irritated owing to delay in getting the problem resolved. In some polling booths, the voters were seen returning without exercising their franchise. The spokesperson of the chief electoral office in Raipur, however, claimed that the technical issues reported in some of the booths in the morning have been promptly attended and smooth conduct of polls remains underway everywhere.

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Former CM and Janata Congress chief Ajit Jogi and his son Amit cast their votes at a polling booth in Pendra

EVM glitches reported in some booths in Raipur

EVM glitches have been reported from Jora booth in Raipur and EVM's in two booths in the Raipur (north) seat have also stopped functioning.

PM Narendra Modi urges people of Chhattisgarh to participate in large numbers in 'the festival of democracy'

छत्तीसगढ़ में आज दूसरे और अंतिम चरण का मतदान है। सभी मतदाताओं से मेरा निवेदन है कि वे पूरे उत्साह के साथ भारी संख्या में मतदान कर लोकतंत्र के महापर्व को सफल बनाएं।

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 20, 2018

Voting begins in Raipur amid tight security

(Photo|EPS)

Six Naxal-affected areas go to polls today

Six Naxals-infested districts, Gariaband, Dhamtari, Mahasamund, Kabirdham, Jashpur, and Balrampur are going to polls today.

Former CM Ajit Jogi's family in fray

The entire Jogi family, except his son are contesting the second phase of Assembly polls with an aim to defeat the ruling BJP and Congress. Ajit Jogi is contesting from Marwahi, his wife Renu Jogi is contesting from Konta, his daugther-in-law Richa Jogi is contesting from Akaltara.

Voting underway at a booth in Ambikapur

(Photo|ANI)

130 candidates with criminal charges, 239 multi-millionaires in fray today

As many as 130 candidates, contesting in the second phase of the elections are facing criminal charges. 90 of them involve serious charges like attempt to murder. Among the 90 candidates facing serious criminal charges, 11 are from the Congress, 13 from the AAP and 14 from the Janta Congress Chhattisgarh (J).

A total of 239 multi-millionaire candidates are also contesting the polls. Among the multimillionaires, 53 are from the Congress, 61 from the BJP and 35 from Janta Congress Chhattisgarh (J).

As many as 130 candidates, contesting in the second phase of the elections are facing criminal charges. 90 of them involve serious charges like attempt to murder. Among the 90 candidates facing serious criminal charges, 11 are from the Congress, 13 from the AAP and 14 from the Janta Congress Chhattisgarh (J).

A total of 239 multi-millionaire candidates are also contesting the polls. Among the multimillionaires, 53 are from the Congress, 61 from the BJP and 35 from Janta Congress Chhattisgarh (J).

Polling across the 72 constituencies will begin at 8 am

Chhattisgarh: Visuals from a polling station in Bilaspur district's Pendra. Voting for the second phase of #ChhattisgarhElections2018 will be conducted today. 72 constituencies will undergo voting at 8 am today. pic.twitter.com/6aiydKuluz

— ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2018

Woman Naxal gunned down in encounter in Sukma

A woman Naxal was Tuesday gunned down in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district, police said. The woman ultra, identified as Hemla Ayathi, was a member of Badesetti local organisation squad (LOS) of Maoist

Over 45 per cent turn out recorded recorded till 2.30 pm

#ChhattisgarhElections voter turnout at 2:30 pm. ⬇
Sarangarh 50.76%
Kharsia 41.00%
Dharamjaigarh 50.17%
Dharsiwa 44.70%
Raipur City Gramin 42.92%
Raipur City West 47.13%
Raipur City North 36.40%
Raipur City South 39.70% pic.twitter.com/jj0bbbV2he

— Sheyphali Sharan (@SpokespersonECI) November 20, 2018

Congress submits memorandum to the EC on alleged EVM tampering

Congress submits memorandum to the Election Commission of India bringing attention to 'urgent incidents' of EVM tampering that "have significant bearing on the outcome of Chhattisgarh Assembly Elections".

CM Raman Singh, wife cast vote in their hometown

CM Raman Singh along with his wife exercised their electoral franchise at his home town in Kawardha.(Photo|ANI)

CM Raman Singh, wife cast their vote in hometown

CM Raman Singh along with his wife exercised their electoral franchise at his home town in Kawardha.

23.75 % turnout till 12.30 pm

 23.75 per cent turnout was recorded across 72 constituencies till 12.30 pm.