Rajasthan Assembly Election 2023 Highlights: Over 68% voter turnout recorded

Cash, liquor, drugs and freebies worth Rs 690 crore aimed at inducing voters have been seized in Rajasthan, where voting for the assembly elections ended Saturday evening. According to data shared by the Election Commission after the conclusion of the polling, seizures worth a total of over Rs 690 crore were made by different enforcement agencies.

The poll panel said the figures are 970 per cent higher than the previous elections in Rajasthan in 2018. 'Increased seizures were witnessed under various heads such as cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals and freebies,' it said. The poll panel said the figures are 970 per cent higher than the previous elections in Rajasthan in 2018. 'Increased seizures were witnessed under various heads such as cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals and freebies,' it said. (PTI)

More than 68 per cent of the electorate in Rajasthan voted by 5 pm on Saturday in a bipolar contest involving the Congress and the BJP to elect the new state government, with polling passing off peacefully barring a few stray incidents of violence.

Polling at more than 51,000 polling booths in 199 assembly constituencies began at 7 am and ended at 6 pm, but officials said those already in queue at the polling booths would be allowed to vote.

In the last assembly elections in 2018, the state recorded a voter turnout of 74.06 per cent. The Election Commission has set a target of at least 75 per cent turnout in each constituency this time.

Nearly 10 per cent of the electorate cast their votes in the first two hours of voting and the figure went up to nearly 25 per cent by 11 am and to more than 40 per cent by 1 pm.

The voting percentage till 5 pm was 68.24 per cent, an official said.

Polling in the Karanpur assembly constituency in Sriganganagar has been postponed due to the death of the Congress candidate.

The votes will be counted on December 3. (PTI)

Former Rajasthan chief minister and senior BJP leader Vasundhara Raje expressed confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision and development on Saturday, saying that the people of the state have endorsed it.

After the conclusion of polling for the Rajasthan Assembly election on Saturday, Raje affirmed her belief that the people of the desert state have embraced the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and rejected the false promises of the Congress.

In a statement, the national vice-president of the BJP said the poll results will stun the Congress, expressing gratitude to the workers of the saffron party and voters, particularly new voters, for their participation.

"The lotus will bloom," she asserted. (PTI)

As per the data released by the ECI, Rajasthan's Hanumangarh district clocked the highest voter turnout at 75.75% at 5 pm today.

The BJP on Saturday accused Congress leaders Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi f violating poll guidelines with their posts on X on the day of the Rajasthan assembly polls. They have urged  the Election Commission to seek suspension of their social media accounts and initiate other actions against them.

In their posts, both Congress leaders have urged people to vote for their party.

The BJP wrote to the Election Commission, saying their posts violate the silence period of 48 hours in the run-up to polls, a period during which most form of campaigning is barred.

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— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) November 25, 2023

A voter turnout of 68.24% was recorded till 5 pm in Rajasthan, the Election Commission of India said. 

68.24% voter turnout recorded in Rajasthan till 5pm, as per Election Commission of India. pic.twitter.com/IB63KsGvQt

— ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2023

On Saturday, Ashok Gehlot expressed confidence in the Congress party's triumph in the Rajasthan Assembly Polls. "We have received the blessings of the people. A Congress government will be formed again... I am not concerned about what anyone says," he said.

#WATCH | Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot says, "...We have got the blessings of the people. Congress government will be formed again...I don't care who says what..." #RajasthanElection2023 pic.twitter.com/W91siR59sW

— ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2023

In the Rajasthan Assembly Elections 2023, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strategically positioned the electoral battle as a direct face-off between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ashok Gehlot, aiming to reclaim power. Today marks the crucial moment for the people of the desert state as voting commences for 199 out of the 200-member Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, determining the next five years of governance. Incumbent Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, along with his son, exercised their franchise in Sardarpura, Jodhpur, expressing confidence in the Congress party's victory.

In an election that has been fought by Congress on the strength of its schemes, and countered by the BJP with “Modi guarantee”, the Prajapati family spanning four generations in the Bagru Assembly seat on the outskirts of Jaipur is, what both would consider, a “model”.

The members of the OBC Above Poverty Line (APL) family include Bhuli Devi, the 95-year-old matriarch; her son and daughter-in-law Sur Gyan Prajapat, 62, and Surkha Devi, 60; and their six children, all married. The three sons with their families live with their parents and grandmother in a 15-member joint family.

This morning, as polling commenced for the Rajasthan assembly elections, an incident of stone pelting was reported during voting in Fatehpur Shekhawati of Sikar district. According to Fathepur DSP Ramprasad, the incident occurred subsequent to a verbal clash between two groups of individuals.

''There has been stone pelting among some people after a verbal clash. Some people have been disbursed, and some people have been detained. We will take strict action. The polling is underway but this place (of clashes) is away from the polling booth. There is no hindrance to voting... Those who have not cast their vote yet should go and vote. Security would be provided for everyone,' he said. 

#WATCH | Rajasthan Assembly elections: On Stone pelting in Sikar, Fathepur DSP Ramprasad says, 'There has been stone pelting among some people after a verbal clash. Some people have been disbursed, and some people have been detained. We will take strict action. The polling is… pic.twitter.com/wpdpHPsaxf

— ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2023

#WATCH | Jodhpur: On Rajasthan Assembly elections, Congress leader Vaibhav Gehlot's wife Himanshi Gehlot says, 'Whenever Ashok Gehlot government is formed all his policies have reached the people...The women have faith that the policies will reach them & that they are not a… pic.twitter.com/RIwdPZteE1

— ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2023

A voter turnout of 55.63% was recorded till 3 pm in Rajasthan, the Election Commission of India said. 

55.63% voter turnout recorded in Rajasthan till 3pm, as per Election Commission of India. pic.twitter.com/WHql8aFbRM

— ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2023

In the last leg of his campaign for the Rajasthan Assembly elections, scheduled for Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Congress of having “punished” Rajesh Pilot and said it was doing the same to his son Sachin.

Rajesh Pilot was a big Gujjar leader of Rajasthan, and his son has taken on the mantle. The BJP is aiming to cash in on the anger within the community over the lost promise of Sachin Pilot taking over as Chief Minister after the Congress won in 2018.

A polling agent of a BJP candidate died due to suspected cardiac arrest in Pali district of Rajasthan on Saturday.

According to official Shanti Lal, a polling agent at booth number 47 in the Sumerpur assembly constituency, collapsed at the centre. He was rushed to a nearby hospital and then to the district hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. "Suspected cause is heart attack," the official said. 

- Inputs from PTI

A voter turnout of 40.27 per cent was recorded till 1 pm in Rajasthan, the Election Commission of India said. 

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi says, "There is no anti-incumbency wave against CM Ashok Gehlot in Rajasthan. People are seeing that there is infighting in the BJP. There is no clarity of leadership in the BJP. I think people will create history and (Congress) government will be repeated in Rajasthan...."

#WATCH | Delhi: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi says, "There is no anti-incumbency wave against CM Ashok Gehlot in Rajasthan. People are seeing that there is infighting in the BJP. There is no clarity of leadership in the BJP. I think people will create history and… pic.twitter.com/UUkbKcbt8S

— ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2023

Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Saturday targeted the BJP-led Central government over alleged unemployment and inflation, while highlighting that the people who reign supreme in a democracy have the final say in choosing a government. This remark was made by Pilot after he casted his vote in Jaipur on Saturday morning. The former Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan said that voting is underway at a "robust pace" amid a peaceful atmosphere. Voters are exercising their franchise, he said.

He said that the fate of candidates belonging to different ideologies is ultimately decided by the "Janta Janardan," who "reigns supreme" in democracy. "Everything is in their hands,' Pilot, the senior Congress leader, said, adding that voters express their opinion when they cast their vote for a candidate of a particular party. (ANI)

#WATCH | Congress leader Sachin Pilot after casting his vote in Jaipur says, "I hope people will use their right to vote today. I hope the public will make the right decision by looking at our vision for the state for the next 5 years. I think Congress will form the government… pic.twitter.com/c4rxZS50ex

— ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2023

The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) has written to the Election Commission to suspend Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's X account for violating poll guidelines with his X post related to Rajasthan polls on the day of voting.

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— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) November 25, 2023

Speaking to reporters in the Kota district of Rajasthan, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said, 'Since 1952, voter turnout has increased in every election, strengthening our democracy. Congratulations to the Election Commission of India for conducting large-scale, fair polls.'

VIDEO | 'From 1952 to the present time, the voting percentage has increased in every election, this has strengthened our democracy. I congratulate the Election Commission of India for conducting fair polls on such a large scale,' says Lok Sabha Speaker @ombirlakota as he arrives… pic.twitter.com/JDYaQ69Gyn

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 25, 2023

Rajasthan BJP president C P Joshi on Saturday accused the Congress government of failing to deliver on its promises and indulging in corruption, and said people will give a befitting reply to the party in the assembly elections. "After coming to power, the Congress forgot its promises. It only committed corruption and cheated people," Joshi told PTI in Chittorgarh as voting got underway in the state.

He said the people have unshakable faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi because he does what he says. Joshi expressed confidence that the BJP would get a historic mandate in the assembly elections.

Senior BJP leader and Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat expressed hope that the people will vote for a change. "BJP is coming to power with a huge majority. This time people will vote keeping in mind crimes committed against women, paper leak incidents and corruption during the five-year rule of the Congress," Shekhawat told reporters in Jodhpur.

Meanwhile, speaking to reporters in Jaipur, BJP MP Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore accused the Congress government in Rajasthan of wasting five years. 

During the five-year rule of the Congress, Rajasthan saw recruitment exam paper leak scams, corruption and rise in crimes against women, he said. "Five years is a long period for the youth,” he said.

Asked who will be the chief minister if the BJP forms the government in the state, Rathore, who is contesting the assembly elections from Jaipur's Jhotwara seat, said party workers accept whatever responsibility is given to them. Reacting to Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's "undercurrent" remark, he suggested the poll results will shock the Congress. "Maybe they will feel current on the counting day," Rathore told reporters.

Earlier in the day, Gehlot said in Jodhpur that there seems to be an undercurrent and it looks like the Congress government will be repeated in the state. (PTI)

A polling agent of a candidate died due to suspected cardiac arrest in Pali district of Rajasthan on Saturday. Polling for the Rajasthan assembly elections began at 7 am today.

An official said Shanti Lal, a polling agent at booth number 47 in the Sumerpur assembly constituency, collapsed at the centre. He was rushed to a nearby hospital and then to the district hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. "Suspected cause is heart attack," the official said.

The party affiliation of the polling agent was not immediately known. (PTI)

Governor Kalraj Mishra was seen casting his vote at a polling booth in Jaipur for the Rajasthan assembly elections.

#WATCH | Rajasthan Elections | Governor Kalraj Mishra cast his vote at a polling booth in Jaipur. pic.twitter.com/FTi0FrV5yU

— ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2023

Voting began at more than 51,000 polling booths at 7 am and in the first two hours, nearly 10 per cent of the electorate cast their votes, an official said. Voting will continue till 6 pm. More than 5.25 crore voters will decide the fate of 1,862 candidates in 199 seats, out of a total of 200 in the state. Polling in one constituency has been postponed due to the death of a candidate.

The Election Commission has made elaborate arrangements to ensure a smooth polling. More than 1.70 lakh security personnel have been deployed across the state. (PTI)

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot exercised his democratic right by casting his vote in the Sardarpura assembly constituency.Aiming to buck the three-decade trend of alternating governments and hoping for his fourth term, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, 72, led the Congress party’s electioneering as it faces a formidable challenge from the Opposition BJP whose campaign is being spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Facing “anti-incumbency”, the Congress MLAs are banking on Gehlot’s welfare measures – and his face – to help them sail through, even as the CM has appealed to voters to see these elections as if he is contesting it on all 200 seats himself.#WATCH | Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot casts his vote in Sardarpura assembly constituency pic.twitter.com/VvyN5lCdG1— ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2023

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot exercised his democratic right by casting his vote in the Sardarpura assembly constituency.Aiming to buck the three-decade trend of alternating governments and hoping for his fourth term, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, 72, led the Congress party’s electioneering as it faces a formidable challenge from the Opposition BJP whose campaign is being spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Facing “anti-incumbency”, the Congress MLAs are banking on Gehlot’s welfare measures – and his face – to help them sail through, even as the CM has appealed to voters to see these elections as if he is contesting it on all 200 seats himself.

#WATCH | Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot casts his vote in Sardarpura assembly constituency pic.twitter.com/KAce3x5Q9d

— ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2023

A brawl erupted at a polling booth in the Sardarshahar assembly constituency in Rajasthan during the ongoing assembly elections on Saturday.

Councillor representative Asif Khokhar claimed that he was attacked by approximately five to seven individuals.

As per reports, heavy police force arrived at the 'Rajkiya Anjuman Vidyalaya' polling booth after receiving information about the fight, ANI reported.

BJP candidate from the Sardarshahar assembly constituency Rajkumar Rinva is pitted against Congress Anil Kumar Sharma.

#WATCH | Rajasthan Elections | A scuffle broke out at a polling booth in Churu earlier today after voting began. A polling agent alleges that he was attacked by 4-5 people there and that he suffered minor injuries. pic.twitter.com/9FKeYO81SS

— ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2023

A suspected cardiac arrest claimed the life of a polling agent on Saturday in Pali district, Rajasthan. The Rajasthan assembly elections commenced at 7 am on the same day.

An official said Shanti Lal, a polling agent at booth number 47 in the Sumerpur assembly constituency, collapsed at the centre. 

He was rushed to a nearby hospital and then to the district hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival, PTI reported.

"Suspected cause is heart attack," the official said. The party affiliation of the polling agent was not immediately known.

Rajasthan, the largest state by area, has had only three Chief Ministers in the last 33 years and six (not counting one who was in the post for just 15 days) in 50; has produced hung Assemblies but the largest party has always managed a majority; and has never witnessed a government collapse, even though its CMs have been dismissed on three occasions.

It has never been ruled by any party other than the Congress and BJP (Janata was in power when BJP was its part), the periodic emergence of other political parties notwithstanding.

And since 1993, when Bhairon Singh Shekhawat of the BJP returned as Chief Minister, power has always alternated between the Congress and BJP.

Rajasthan is a unique state in several ways. Here is an overview of its political history, where the last quarter century has been dominated by two leaders — the Congress party's Ashok Gehlot and the BJP's Vasundhara Raje.

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal exercised his voting right in Bikaner.

Meanwhile, before casting his vote, state BJP chief CP Joshi emphasised the significance of the democratic process, stating, "This is the festival of democracy. Every voter should exercise their franchise. Every vote is a symbol of truth, justice, harmony and good governance. With this vote good governance or terrorism comes, truth or lie comes, justice or injustice comes. So, every individual should exercise their right to vote...It seems clear that BJP will come and Congress will go..."

VIDEO | Rajasthan elections 2023: Union Law minister @arjunrammeghwal casts his vote in Bikaner.#AssemblyElectionsWithPTI #RajasthanElection2023 pic.twitter.com/wRR2VnNq3H

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 25, 2023

#WATCH | C.P. Joshi says, "This is the festival of democracy. Every voter should exercise their franchise. Every vote is a symbol of truth, justice, harmony and good governance. With this vote good governance or terrorism comes, truth or lie comes, justice or injustice comes. So,… pic.twitter.com/GAI1M3avkm

— ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2023

A voter turnout of 9.77% was reported till 9 am in Rajasthan, according to the Election Commission of India.

Former Chief Minister and prominent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Vasundhara Raje exercised her franchise today at a polling booth in Jhalawar. After casting her vote, Raje emphasised the importance of participation in the democratic process.

"I would just like to request all voters, specially the young ones, to come out to vote. This is also a vote cast for nation building," said the BJP leader.

Elections in the state are straight fights between the Congress and BJP, which have been dominated by Gehlot and Vasundhara Raje respectively, alternating CMs since 1998. Vasundhara, who assumed office in 2003 with the blessings of then Vice President Shekhawat and the late Pramod Mahajan, remains the tallest leader of the BJP in the state, even though she has been systematically sidelined over the last five years.

VIDEO | Rajasthan elections 2023: Former CM and BJP leader @VasundharaBJP casts her vote in Jhalawar.#AssemblyElectionsWithPTI #RajasthanElection2023 pic.twitter.com/9yluVrlibn

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 25, 2023

VIDEO | "I would just like to request all voters, specially the young ones, to come out to vote. This is also a vote cast for nation building," says BJP leader @VasundharaBJP after casting her vote.#RajasthanElection2023 #AssemblyElectionsWithPTI pic.twitter.com/NVBNTdeApV

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 25, 2023

In an election that has been fought by Congress on the strength of its schemes, and countered by the BJP with “Modi guarantee”, the Prajapati family spanning four generations in the Bagru Assembly seat on the outskirts of Jaipur is, what both would consider, a “model”.

The members of the OBC Above Poverty Line (APL) family include Bhuli Devi, the 95-year-old matriarch; her son and daughter-in-law Sur Gyan Prajapat, 62, and Surkha Devi, 60; and their six children, all married. The three sons with their families live with their parents and grandmother in a 15-member joint family.

Gehlot’s welfare push began well ahead of the elections, and over the past two-three years, he has created the image of a leader dedicated to uplifting the state. The Congress manifesto promised to continue its schemes, bring in more, and seven more “guarantees”.

The OBC family living on the outskirts of Jaipur is beneficiary of both state and Central schemes. Here is how

Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot on Saturday emphasised the significance of local issues and good governance in the Congress campaign for the state assembly polls.

Gehlot also highlighted the passage of several commendable laws in the state Assembly.

"We are contesting (Rajasthan Assembly) elections on local issues and good governance. Some good laws were also passed (in state Assembly). However, those who came from outside (BJP leaders), they only tried to instigate people. People (of Rajasthan) are aware about this," he told PTI.

VIDEO | Exclusive: "We are contesting (Rajasthan Assembly) elections on local issues and good governance. Some good laws were also passed (in state Assembly). However, those who came from outside (BJP leaders), they only tried to instigate people. People (of Rajasthan) are aware… pic.twitter.com/8sOn9Vm1t5

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 25, 2023

"BJP has failed as an opposition in the state. I am confident that we will form the government again here with a thumping majority," said Congress leader Sachin Pilot after casting his vote.

On the other hand, BJP leader Satish Poonia emphasised the significance of democracy in India, describing it as the country's greatest strength. 

"Democracy is India's greatest strength. People of India cast their votes as if (polling) is a festival," said Poonia after casting his vote in Jaipur.

VIDEO | Rajasthan elections 2023: Congress leader @SachinPilot casts his vote.#AssemblyElectionsWithPTI #RajasthanElection2023 pic.twitter.com/wFZz2TmrRR

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 25, 2023

VIDEO | Rajasthan elections 2023 "Democracy is India's greatest strength. People of India cast their votes as if (polling) is a festival," says BJP leader @DrSatishPoonia after casting his vote in Jaipur.#AssemblyElectionsWithPTI #RajasthanElection2023 pic.twitter.com/0ywTU9lsS1

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 25, 2023

As Hamza Khan, Liz Mathew, and Deeptiman Tiwary point out in their analysis, the elections will define the political futures of Chief Minister Gehlot and his predecessor Vasundhara Raje of the BJP. “Ironically, while a comfortable victory will mean the Congress would not be able to deny Gehlot the CM post, notwithstanding Sachin Pilot, a comfortable victory for the BJP might translate into the party high command having its way in easing out Raje,” they write.

In Rajasthan, the incumbent has been voted out for more than three decades. The Congress will be looking to break that trend but the BJP is close on its heels. Throughout the campaign, the BJP has targeted the Congress-led government over law and order. “appeasement politics”, and tried to paint it as being anti-Sanatan Dharma. The Ashok Gehlot-led government, meanwhile, is banking on its welfare schemes and the political rhetoric of social justice.

BJP leader Satish Poonia said the people will vote for a "double-engine" government in Rajasthan, where assembly elections are underway for 199 seats on Saturday.

The change that was ushered in the country in 2014 when Narendra Modi became prime minister is continuing.

"I believe that people will vote for a double-engine government that is needed in Rajasthan," Poonia told PTI in Jaipur.

VIDEO | "People of Rajasthan will vote for a double engine government so that the state and central governments work together for development," says BJP leader @DrSatishPoonia as polling for Rajasthan elections 2023 begins.#AssemblyElectionsWithPTI #RajasthanElection2023 pic.twitter.com/dGYkFL20qW

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 25, 2023

Voting is presently in progress for the Rajasthan Assembly elections. The counting is scheduled on December 3, 2023. While the Congress is looking to retain its power in the western state, the BJP is working to bounce back by fielding a number of MPs from the state.

In 2018 polls, the Congress won 100 out of 200 Assembly seats – short of simple majority by only 1 seat – while the BJP secured 73. The Congress formed the government with the help of Bahujan Samaj Party.

We take a look at the assets of some of the key candidates in fray this year

A family is assisting a wheelchair-bound voter as they make their way to the polling booth at a polling station in Sardarpura, Jodhpur.

#WATCH | Rajasthan Elections | A voter on a wheelchair being helped by her family to reach the polling booth, at a polling station in Sardarpura, Jodhpur. pic.twitter.com/V2f6Dp1J4u

— ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2023

As voting commences for the state assembly elections, individuals form a line at a polling station in Jhotwara, Jaipur

#WATCH | Rajasthan Elections | People queue up at a polling station in Jhotwara, Jaipur as voting gets underway for the state assembly elections. pic.twitter.com/054UWXB4CH

— ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2023

? Ashok Gehlot, currently serving his third term as chief minister, is seeking re-election from the Sardarpura constituency, a seat he has held since 1998. His main opponent is Mahendra Singh Rathore of the BJP, the former chairman of the Jodhpur Development Authority.

? In Tonk, where the Muslim population plays a significant role, Sachin Pilot, the former state chief of the Congress party, will be competing against Ajit Singh Mehta of the BJP. Mehta previously represented the constituency in 2013. This marks the second assembly election for Pilot, who has previously won Lok Sabha polls in Dausa and Ajmer.

? Vasundhara Raje, a former chief minister, is contesting from the Jhalrapatan constituency, which she currently represents. She faces competition from Congress' Ram Lal Chauhan. Raje has served as the chief minister for two terms.

? Jat leader Hanuman Beniwal, founder of the Rastriya Loktantrik Party, poses a potential challenge for both the BJP and Congress in Khinvsar.

? A notable development is the rebellion within both the BJP and Congress, with leaders being denied tickets. BJP rebels include former assembly speaker Kailash Meghwal, Chandrabhan Akya from Chittorgarh, and former transport minister Yoonus Khan from Deedwana. Congress rebels feature Joharilal Meena from Rajgarh-Laxmangarh, Gopal Baheti in Pushkar, Habiburrahman from Nagaur, Virendra Beniwal in Lunkaransar, Khiladi Lal Bairwa in Baseri, and Dr. Param Navdeep Singh in Sangaria.

? The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are also participating in the state's assembly polls.

The state of Rajasthan is abuzz with anticipation as citizens exercise their democratic right to vote today. With the political landscape ripe with possibilities, Congress leader Sachin Pilot has expressed confidence that this year's electoral trend will favor the Congress party.

"It is a very important day. People of Rajasthan will vote today to select their new government. I am confident that the trend (in Rajasthan) will change this year as people want Congress to win," Pilot said.

VIDEO | 'It is a very important day. People of Rajasthan will vote today to select their new government. I am confident that the trend (in Rajasthan) will change this year as people want Congress to win,' says Congress leader @SachinPilot. pic.twitter.com/sHGeqnhjcf

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 25, 2023

The BJP, after sidelining many established names in its first Rajasthan list, released its second list of 83 candidates for the Rajasthan Assembly polls on November 9. The saffron party had put out their first list of 41 candidates on October 9.

Here’s the full list of BJP's candidates for Rajasthan Assembly elections 2023:

The Congress party had released the names of all 199 candidates for the upcoming Rajasthan Assembly elections, after much delay in its first list of names. The elections are currently underway, and the counting will take place on December 3 (Sunday).

Heavyweights such as Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, his rival and ex-Deputy CM Sachin Pilot, Assembly Speaker C P Joshi, and state president Govind Singh Dotasra figured on the first list. Gehlot is contesting from his sitting constituency of Sardarpura, while Pilot is from his constituency Tonk, Dotasra from Laxmangarh, and Speaker CP Joshi from Nathdwara.

Here’s the full list of Congress’s candidates for Rajasthan Assembly elections 2023:

Congress full list of candi... by Express Web

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to participate in the Rajasthan Assembly elections, emphasising the importance of setting a new record for voter turnout.

"Voting will be held today for Rajasthan Assembly elections. I request all the voters to create a new record of voting by exercising their franchise in maximum numbers. On this occasion, my best wishes to all the young friends of the state who are going to vote for the first time," PM Modi said.

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— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 25, 2023

Polling has begun for the Rajasthan Assembly elections.

VIDEO | Polling begins for Rajasthan Assembly elections 2023. Visuals from Sawai Madhopur.#RajasthanElection2023 #AssemblyElectionsWithPTI pic.twitter.com/QZgxT21PYd

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 25, 2023

<script as

Voting is underway for the Rajasthan Assembly elections, with polling taking place in 199 out of the 200 constituencies.

On Friday, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot tweeted a video clip of Sachin Pilot appealing for votes, referring to him as “the Congress’s young leader”. Coming a day after campaigning for the Rajasthan elections had ended, the video followed the BJP’s line of attack in the last stretch accusing the Congress of having “punished” Pilot’s father Rajesh Pilot once, and of “punishing” him now.

That Gehlot led what appears to be the Congress’s counter was also significant, given that the CM and Pilot, his former deputy, have no love lost.

On the other side, it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who himself led the Rajesh Pilot front against the Congress.

The objective of both the parties is not difficult to decode. The Pilots belong to the Gujjar community, estimated to be around 9-10% of the population in Rajasthan and consequential to the outcome of 40-odd seats in its eastern parts (out of the state’s total of 200).

Read the full report by Manoj C G here

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— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) November 24, 2023

Hi!

Rajasthan is voting today to elect members of a new assembly.

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