New Delhi,The Rajasthan Assembly elections witnessed a substantial 70% voter turnout on Saturday, marking a crucial day for the state’s political landscape. The fierce competition between the Congress and the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to determine the next state government.
While the polling process remained largely peaceful, isolated incidents of clashes and stone-pelting were reported in areas such as Sikar, Dholpur, and Deeg districts. In Sikar, six to seven individuals were detained, prompting the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to restore order, as confirmed by Sikar SP Paris Deshmukh.
Stone pelting in Dholpur, though causing damage to personal vehicles, did not escalate to firing, assured Bari District Magistrate Anil Kumar Agarwal. The situation was quickly brought under control, and polling booths were reported as secure.
However, in Sanwler village of Kaman in Deeg district, stone-pelting resulted in injuries to two individuals, including a policeman. The police intervened by firing 12 rounds in the air to disperse the crowd, leading to a temporary disruption in voting, reported Deeg Superintendent of Police Brijesh Upadhyay.
Tragically, two individuals, a polling agent in Pali and an elderly voter in Udaipur districts, succumbed to cardiac arrest at polling booths.
Polling took place at over 51,000 booths across 199 assembly constituencies, commencing at 7 am and concluding at 6 pm. Chief Election Officer Praveen Gupta clarified that voters arriving at the booth by 6 pm could still cast their votes.
Throughout the day, leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge urged Rajasthan’s citizens to participate actively in the democratic process. Union Minister Shekhawat expressed confidence in BJP’s victory, emphasizing concerns over crimes against women, paper leaks, and corruption during the Congress’s five-year rule.
As the day unfolded, leaders from both parties expressed optimism about securing the people’s mandate in this high-stakes electoral battle.
By PTI
