Durg, Chhattisgarh Lok Sabha Election 2024: Voting for the 3rd Phase of LS Polls

2024 Lok Sabha election in Chhattisgarh.

Polling for the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections in Durg, Chhattisgarh, which began at 7 AM today, has seen a 58.06% voter turnout till 5PM. In 2019, it was 76.565. Vijay Baghel of the BJP is contesting against Rajendra Sahu of the INC.

Durg district holds importance in the state of Chhattisgarh, especially in terms of industrial development and historical significance. Its formation in 1906 from parts of Raipur and Bilaspur districts marked a pivotal moment in its administrative history. Over time, with the division of districts, Durg has seen changes in its geographical and administrative boundaries, leading to the emergence of separate entities like Rajnandgaon and Kabirdham districts.

In terms of political representation, the Durg Lok Sabha constituency plays a crucial role in the state's electoral landscape. With nine assembly seats under its purview, the constituency reflects the diverse demographics and interests of the region's population. From urban centers like Durg City and Bhilai Nagar to rural areas like Durg Rural and Patan, the constituency encompasses a wide spectrum of communities and concerns. According to the 2011 census, the population of Durg is 33,43,079.

In the 2019 general elections, the Durg Lok Sabha constituency witnessed an electoral contest between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Vijay Baghel and the Congress candidate Pratima Chandrakar. Vijay Baghel emerged victorious with a substantial margin, securing 8,49,374 votes. Pratima Chandrakar, lost the elections with 4,57,396 votes. Geetanjali Singh of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) came third with 20,124 votes.

Also check: Karnataka 2024 Lok Sabha election phase 3: Key constituencies and candidates.

The voter turnout in the Durg Lok Sabha constituency in 2019 was notable, with a participation rate of 67.07% indicating a significant level of engagement and interest among the electorate in the region's political affairs.

The earlier election in 2014 had witnessed an electoral battle between the Congress Party's candidate Tamradhwaj Sahu and the Bharatiya Janata Party's candidate Saroj Pandey. Tamradhwaj Sahu emerged victorious, securing 5,70,687 votes, while Saroj Pandey garnered 5,53,839 votes.

The narrow margin of victory indicated a competitive electoral environment in the constituency during that election cycle. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Vishwa Ratna Sinha secured a significantly lower number of votes, totalling 17,455.

This time Durg is witnessing a battle between the BJP and the INC.