As of 9:30 am, Rajasthan has registered a 9.77% voter turnout for 199 assembly constituencies, according to the Election Commission. The commencement of voting at 7 am marked the beginning of a critical day following extensive campaigning by major political entities, including the ruling Congress and BJP.
However, polling for the Karanpur assembly constituency faced an adjournment due to the unfortunate demise of Congress candidate Gurmeet Singh Koonar. Voters, who eagerly lined up outside polling booths, have the opportunity to cast their votes until 6 pm.
Ensuring a secure and impartial electoral process, adequate security measures have been implemented, with a deployment of 1,02,290 security personnel. This includes 69,114 police personnel, 32,876 Rajasthan Home Guard, Forest Guard, and RAC personnel, alongside 700 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).
The political landscape witnesses the ruling Congress aiming for another term, while the BJP seeks to replace the Ashok Gehlot government, leveraging the popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Key contenders in this electoral battle include Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, former CM Vasundhara Raje, former Deputy CM Sachin Pilot, Congress national spokesperson Gourav Vallabh, Union Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore, Vishwaraj Singh Mewar, Rajasthan Assembly Speaker CP Joshi, and Rajasthan Leader of Opposition Rajendra Rathore.
Despite the withdrawal of several rebel candidates from both the BJP and Congress, around 45 such candidates, including MLAs, former MLAs, and party officials, remain in contention.
The crucial counting of votes is scheduled for December 3. In the 2018 polls, the Congress secured 99 seats, with the BJP closely trailing at 73. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot took the oath of office with the support of BSP MLAs and Independents.
