The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday, 9 October announced the poll schedule for Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram. While Madhya Pradesh will go to poll on 17 November, Rajasthan will vote on 23 November. Results will be announced for all states on 3 December.
Here's the full schedule for polling and results in the five election-bound states:
Mizoram
Polling – 7 November
Results – 3 December
Chhattisgarh
Polling – 7 November and 17 November
Results – 3 December
Madhya Pradesh
Polling – 17 November
Results – 3 December
Rajasthan
Polling – 23 November
Results – 3 December
Telangana
Polling – 30 November
Results – 3 December
Other Key Announcements by EC
There are 8.52 lakh total voters in Mizoram, 2.03 crore in Chhattisgarh, 5.6 crore in Madhya Pradesh, 5.25 crore in Rajasthan, and 3.17 crore in Telangana.
About 15.39 lakh young voters are eligible to participate in elections due to amendment on qualifying dates. "To inspire young voters, over 2900 polling stations will be managed by youth," Kumar said.
There will be 17,734 Model polling stations, 621 Polling stations will be managed by PwD staff, and at 8,192 PS women will be in command
Around 60 lakh first time voters(18-19 Yrs) will participate in elections across five states
1.77 lakh polling stations will be set up in 679 assembly constituencies
With over 940 inter-state border check posts in five states, the EC will be able to check any cross-border movement of illicit cash, liquor, freebies and drugs
'Will Win All Five States': BJP Chief JP Nadda
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief JP Nadda took to X to say that the party will win in all five states.
"I welcome the announcement of assembly elections by the Election Commission.Under the leadership of respected Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji. The BJP will form government in all the states with an overwhelming majority and will work with determination to fulfill the aspirations of the people for the next five years," he said.
5 States to Reflect Mood of the Nation?
Kumar had held a meeting of observers last week and asked them to ensure a strict hold on the use of money power to influence the polls. The meeting was attended by police officials as well.
"In 40 days, we visited all the fives states and held discussions with political parties, Central and State enforcement agencies," Kumar said while addressing the media.
The Assembly elections in the five states are extremely significant as they come just months before the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and will determine the mood of the electorate in the run-up to the general elections.
All the political parties have been gearing for the high octane battle in the five states.
The Congress is eyeing to return to power in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh and win in Madhya Pradesh. The Congress is also eyeing Telangana where the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) led by K Chandrasekhar Rao has been in power for the last 10 years.
The BJP is also gearing to retain power in Madhya Pradesh and eyeing to return to power in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.