Subscribe Now! Get features like
In a dramatic turn of events, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has crossed the halfway mark in Chhattisgarh, securing a lead on 50 seats as per the official trends released by the Election Commission of India (ECI). Congress was initially ahead but as the counting of votes progressed, the BJP steadily gained ground.
BJP is now leading in three of four states in key assembly elections, indicating a big boost to Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of general elections in six months.
As the Congress faces a rout in the Hindi heartland, the grand old party has fallen back on its friends calling for a meeting of the INDIA bloc next week.
Chhattisgarh BJP president Arun Sao, buoyed by the positive trends, launched a scathing attack on the Congress party, asserting that the last five years have witnessed the destruction of the state under their governance. Sao claimed that the people of Chhattisgarh were well aware of the alleged shortcomings of the Congress-led administration and expressed confidence that the BJP is the only party capable of safeguarding the interests of the state.
“In the last five years, Congress has destroyed Chhattisgarh. People of Chhattisgarh know that only the BJP can protect the state, and that’s why they will give their blessings to us,” said Arun Sao, reflecting the party’s narrative amid the counting of votes.
Deputy Chief Minister T S Singh Deo is leading in the Ambikapur constituency, while Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel finds himself trailing in the Patan constituency, according to initial reports. The unfolding dynamics suggest a potentially intriguing electoral outcome in the state.
The counting of votes for the 90-member Chhattisgarh assembly commenced at 8 am on Sunday, marked by a high level of security across the counting centres in all 33 districts, including those areas affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE). The election process, conducted in two phases on November 7 and 17, witnessed a commendable voter turnout of 76.31 per cent.
Follow the latest breaking news and developments from India and around the world with Hindustan Times’ newsdesk. From politics and policies to the economy and the environment, from local issues to national events and global affairs, we’ve got you covered.