#RoadTo2019: After high-voltage campaigns, MP, Mizoram go to polls
Voting is underway in states of Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram, after high-decibel campaigns of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress. In the central state, BJP is eyeing a fourth term, whereas Congress wants to turn tables after staying in opposition for 15 years. Meanwhile, Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla of Congress is hoping for a third term, as BJP seeks to open its account.
2,899 candidates in fray for 230-member assembly
MP is voting for the 230-member assembly and 2,899 candidates (including 1094 independents) are contesting. Polling in 227 seats will end at 5 PM, while in the Maoist-hit areas of Lanji, Paraswada, and Baihar, polls will close at 3 PM. Notably, 1.8 lakh security personnel have been deployed. Madhya Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer VL Kantha Rao told PTI the preparations are complete.
Chouhan thinks his report card is enough
In the recent weeks, Chouhan has been part of high-voltage campaigns with occasional appearances of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Chouhan, who is CM since 2005, listed 10% of growth rate, 20% growth rate in the agricultural sector and rise in per-capita income, as his achievements, and claimed this would get him another term.
'Mama' Chouhan prays
With Rahul Gandhi as face, Congress attacked ruling BJP
On the other side is Congress, which failed to stitch an alliance with BSP supremo Mayawati, a deal which could have favored the party in getting SC/ST votes. Congress President Rahul Gandhi led the campaign in MP, amid reports that the three important leaders Kamal Nath, Digvijay Singh, and Jyotiraditya Scindia, are at loggerheads. However, the party denied reports of any tiff.
Kamal Nath offers prayers ahead of big day
759 candidates have criminal records, 656 are crorepatis
The list of candidates is diverse, with as many as 759 candidates having criminal records in the fray. A total of 656 crorepatis are contesting in MP today. The percentage of multi-millionaires has gone from 19% in 2013 to 24% this time. Earlier this morning, EVM malfunctioning was reported from Char Imli locality of Bhopal. This posh area nestles residences of many bureaucrats.
Voting underway in Indore
Separately, in Mizoram, the contest is between Congress and MNF
In the hilly state of Mizoram, voting for the 40-member assembly began at 7 AM and will end at 4 PM. The direct battle in the state is between Congress and Mizo National Front. But, other parties namely BJP, National People's Party and Zoram People's Movement could play important roles in forming a government. Thanhawla is contesting from two seats: Serchhip and Champhai South.
