Counting of votes began in 90 assembly constituencies to decide the electoral fate of 1070 candidates who contested the two phased assembly elections in Chhattisgarh.State Chief Electoral Officer Dr Alok Shukla said counting began at 0800 hours at 17 district headquarters where elaborate arrangements have been made for counting, amid tight security.Trends are expected to begin pouring in within 30 minutes after the start of counting and a clear picture about the upcoming political scenario in the state could emerge by afternoon.The result at Manendragarh in Koriya distict is likely to be announced first, as it has the lowest 153 booths, while Kawardha district's Kawardha, with the highest 385, is expected to take the maximum time.The results would also decide the poll fortunes of Chief Minister Raman Singh and his predecessor Ajit Jogi along with 72 women. In the first round, postal ballots in all constituencies would be counted and later on EVMs w would be taken up.Counting for each round is likely to take around 15 to 20 minutes but where the number of nominees more than 16, are it will take around half an hour.Voting was conducted in Chhattisgarh in two phases. In the first, 39 constituencies went for polling on November 14 with 383 nominees in the fray, while in the second, 51 seats went for voting on November 20 with 687 aspirants.About 70 per cent of a total 1.52-crore electorate exercised its franchise. More than 8,000 officials have been requisitioned for counting.
