As the electoral battleground heats up in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, voters are casting their ballots to determine the fate of the Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led BJP government and the Bhupesh Baghel-led Congress government, respectively. The states are witnessing significant voter turnout and occasional incidents, providing a glimpse into the pulse of the electorate.
As of 11 am, the second phase of voting in Chhattisgarh recorded a 19.65% turnout, while Madhya Pradesh saw a turnout of 27.62%. However, the democratic exercise in Madhya Pradesh was marred by a scuffle in the Morena district, leading to stone pelting and injuring one person.
In Madhya Pradesh, the electoral landscape is characterized by a bipolar battle between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress. The BJP, pointing fingers at the previous Congress administrations, accuses them of corruption and misappropriation of public funds. In response, the Congress campaign targets the BJP government, highlighting issues such as unemployment, rising prices, and an alleged prevalence of “commission raj” in the state.
Chhattisgarh, having already completed the first phase with a notable 78% voter turnout, is witnessing fierce competition primarily between the Congress and BJP. Other players in the electoral arena include the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and various regional outfits. The BJP’s campaign in Chhattisgarh focuses on allegations of corruption, particularly the Mahadev betting app scam, recruitment scandals, and the issue of Naxalism. On the other hand, Congress emphasizes its welfare schemes for farmers, women, tribals, and Dalits, while accusing the central government of favouring select industrialists.
With the assembly poll results slated for declaration on December 3, the political landscape in these states is poised for a transformation. The electorate’s choices will shape the future trajectory of governance, addressing crucial issues raised during the election campaigns. As the countdown begins, all eyes are on the political developments unfolding in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
