The electoral buzz in Rajasthan kicked off as polling commenced for the 199 Assembly seats, engaging a staggering count of 1,863 candidates in the electoral contest. Over 5.26 crore voters stand poised to determine the fate of these candidates in the state.
The polling commenced at 7 a.m., slated to continue till 6 p.m., with the much-anticipated results slated for announcement on December 3. However, a somber note entered the fray as Congress candidate Gurmeet Singh Kooner from the Karanpur assembly constituency in Sriganganagar district passed away at Delhi's All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), leading to the adjournment of polls on that seat.
At the forefront of this electoral faceoff are the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP, engaging in a battle that could potentially decide the trend of government alternation in the state.
Eyes are on pivotal figures such as Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot contesting from his traditional stronghold in Sardarpura, Jodhpur, while former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje stakes her claim in Jhalrapatan, Jhalawar district. Meanwhile, former Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot represents the Congress from the Tonk seat, and Leader of Opposition Rajendra Rathod vies for victory from Taranagar.
The electoral stakes are high for numerous BJP MPs including Diya Kumari from Jaipur's Vidyadhar Nagar; Baba Balaknath from Alwar's Tijara; former Union Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore from Jaipur's Jhotwara; MP Bhagirath Chaudhary from Ajmer's Kishangarh; MP Devji Patel from Sanchore, Narendra Khinchar from Mandawa of Jhunjhunu, and Rajya Sabha member Kirodilal Meena contesting from Sawai Madhopur seat.
The scale of this electoral exercise is massive, with 51,507 polling booths, including 10,501 urban and 41,006 rural setups, established across the state. Live webcasting at 26,393 polling booths ensures stringent monitoring, supervised from district-level control rooms.
A substantial array of 65,277 ballot units, 62,372 control units, and 67,580 VVPAT machines, along with reserves, have been deployed for the voting process. Overseeing this complex operation are 6,287 micro observers and 6247 sector officers, along with provisions for swift resolution of issues related to Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
The electoral machinery has deployed 1,02,290 security personnel, ensuring a secure environment for the voting process. Wheelchairs have been made available at all polling booths to facilitate disabled and senior voters above 80 years old.
To maintain the integrity of the election, intensive checking and monitoring by three flying squads and three SST teams per constituency are ensuring a fair and impartial voting process.
(With Agency Inputs)
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