Raipur
In the climactic phase of the Lok Sabha elections in Chhattisgarh, citizens turned out in robust numbers to exercise their democratic rights. Across the seven constituencies of Raipur, Bilaspur, Korba, Raigarh, Durg, Janjgir-Champa, and Surguja, the electoral enthusiasm was palpable. The final voter turnout stands at an impressive 71.06%.
Surguja and Raigarh emerged as the frontrunners in voter participation, boasting turnouts of 78.78% and 78.43% respectively. Conversely, Bilaspur witnessed a relatively lower voter engagement, with a turnout of 63.95%.
This phase saw a total of 168 candidates vying for electoral success, representing various political ideologies. Notably, among the contenders were 26 women, highlighting the increasing participation of women in the political landscape. Raipur witnessed the highest number of candidates, with 38 hopefuls in the fray, closely followed by Bilaspur with 37 candidates.
As the electorate awaits the verdict, slated for announcement on June 4th, the aftermath of the elections brings attention to certain challenges. Rural voters in Surguja, Bilaspur, and Korba voiced grievances, leading to boycotts over fundamental amenities.
In Raipur, the political atmosphere heated up as Congress candidate Vikas Upadhyay alleged malpractices by BJP agents, accusing them of distributing refreshments at polling booths. The ensuing protestations and counter-sloganeering underscored the fervor surrounding the electoral process.
Despite these challenges, the voter turnout reflects a robust democratic spirit, reaffirming the commitment of Chhattisgarh’s populace to the electoral process.
Tragically, amidst the democratic fervor, two incidents marred the electoral landscape. In Raigarh, elderly voter Tarsius Toppo met an untimely demise at the Lodam Jamtora polling center, under circumstances yet to be determined. Meanwhile, in Ambikapur, Surguja Lok Sabha constituency, 21-year-old Kabootri Das lost her life to a lightning strike while returning from casting her vote with her family.
