Rajasthan elections voting highlights: Over 68% voter turnout till 5 pm; voting in state concludes

Talking about the reported clashes and stone pelting in Rajasthan's Sikar, Sikar SP Paris Deshmukh said, "We received information that there had been stone pelting between two groups in a street. A mobile party, SHO, CO and police reached and took the situation completely under control. No voting is hindered. 6 to 7 people have been detained and CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) teams are deployed." The cop also said that a clash ensued between two groups regarding votes and one police jawan suffered minor injuries, reported ANI.

A voter fulfills his responsibility towards democracy on his wedding day.

At Tonk, 100 kilometres from Jaipur, people voice their unhappiness with the Congress high command for not naming Sachin Pilot as the potential chief minister. While a section of voters praise some of the work Pilot has done, there is a certain resentment among others, who complain that he remained busy with internal politics and didn’t pay attention to his constituency.

The BJP is going to win in Rajasthan with a majority... People are supporting the BJP beyond caste and religion and are approving the welfare schemes of PM Modi... Congress also knows that the BJP is going to win in Rajasthan with a majority," says UP Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak.

On being a BJP MP and now also a candidate from Jhotwara Assembly constituency, Rajyavardhan Rathore said, "This is an important responsibility. You have a personal touch with people here. You become an executing agency here. You have the responsibility to use the money sent by the Centre, on the ground. So, State government plays a very important role. So, I will get the opportunity to do that too..."

"As per reports that are coming in, and I had also visited (the state), we will win in Rajasthan. We will also win in Telangana," said Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.
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The Tijara assembly constituency recorded the highest voter turnout of 52.36 percent till 1 pm, while Churu saw the lowest voting of 32 percent, according to the Election Commission of India.

Violence against women, paper leak scam, farmers' suicides are some of the key issues that were highlighted by the opposition BJP to strike against the ruling Congress. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has reaffirmed that the Congress will return to power, putting an end to the three-decade-old alternating government trend in the western state.

Delhi Minister and AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj says, "People should actively participate in elections. And people should vote for them who work for the poor..."

The BJP has given tickets to 59 MLAs, including defected Congress MLA Girraj Singh Malinga and six Lok Sabha and one Rajya Sabha member, while the Congress has fielded 97 MLAs, including seven independents and one from BJP - Shobharani Kushwah who was expelled from the saffron party last year.

"I would say that it's a festival of democracy, and people should actively participate in it. One should exercise one's right to vote freely and fearlessly... There's tight security... Our officers and flying squad are keeping their eyes," said DGP Umesh Mishra in Jaipur.

Assembly Speaker CP Joshi casts his vote in Rajsamand district.

Assembly Speaker CP Joshi casts his vote in Rajsamand district.

Assembly Speaker CP Joshi casts his vote in Rajsamand district.

"The voting is going on peacefully and people are participating in big numbers. We are getting good feedback and in the end the decision will be taken by the public. The people's mandate will be acceptable to all. I believe that we will get good news on December 3," said Congress leader Sachin Pilot.

Former BJP leader and Rashtriya Loktantrik Party supremo Hanuman Beniwal is likely to garner Jat votes which might have gone to the BJP in some constituencies. In tribal areas, the new Bhartiya Adivasi Party is the one to watch out for.

Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra has expressed confidence and said that his party’s government will come back to power with a good majority. “There is enthusiasm for Congress in the entire state. People are voting with joy. With the kind of work done by Congress and the guarantees given by the party, there is zeal. The management done by the state government during COVID has led to a positive thought for the government among people,” he said.

RLP MP Hanuman Beniwal casts his vote at a polling booth in Baran.

-Sardarpura: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has been consistently securing this seat for the party in the last four state elections.
-Jhalrapatan: Former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, has been winning this seat since 2003.

-Tonk: Sachin Pilot clinched the seat for the Congress in the 2018 elections.

-Lachhmangarh" Congress leader Govind Singh Dostara has won this seat for the last four times.

-Udaipurwati: In the 2018 elections, Rajendra Gudha, who was expelled from the Gehlot Cabinet, won as a BSP candidate. Gudha is currently part of Eknath Schinde's Shiv Sena.

"There is an atmosphere of enthusiasm everywhere, and Congress will win with a huge majority," said state minister Shanti Dhariwal.

Around 88 percent, or 176, BJP candidates contesting the Rajasthan Assembly elections are crorepatis, according to an analysis of the self-sworn affidavits of all 1,875 candidates by Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR). Congress had 84 percent, or 167, crorepati candidates, while AAP’s count stood at 34 percent, or 29. Meanwhile, 31 per cent of BJP’s candidates had a criminal case against them. It was followed by Congress with 24 percent and AAP with 21 percent.

Learning from his own experience in 2013, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot focussed on welfare schemes early in his tenure and marketed them well. This has left him perched comfortably even as his MLAs look vulnerable in a state with an established track record of rejecting incumbents. Gehlot may have insulated himself from attack but the same cannot be said about Congress MLAs. There is anger against individual legislators for their long spells of absence and for not doing sufficient development work in their respective constituencies.

"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 Om Birla on arriving to cast his vote in Kota.

Around 17 percent of 1,875 candidates in Rajasthan assembly elections have declared criminal cases against them, with 36 candidates accused of crimes against women including rape, according to a report jointly prepared by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and National Election Watch (NEW).

"10 percent voter turnout till 9 am is a big thing because generally, polling gathers pace after 9 am. Soon, there will be long queues outside polling booths. And if voters are excited, then this means that they will vote against the sitting MLA (Gulab Chand Kataria, BJP)," says Gourav Vallabh, Congress candidate from Udaipur assembly constituency.

"Robust voting underway in the state. For the past 10 years, there has been a BJP govt at the Centre. People are seeing unemployment and inflation. People want change. Congress will benefit from it," said Congress leader Sachin Pilot. He is contesting from Tonk.

At least six candidates from prominent families are contesting the Assembly elections. Five are from the BJP and one from the Congress. The outgoing Rajasthan Assembly had four of them, three from the BJP and one from the Congress. The scions of the erstwhile princely states have traditionally been with the BJP and its ideological forerunners Akhil Bharatiya Ram Rajya Parishad (ABRRP), Bharatiya Jana Sangh and Swatantra Party.

"I have given my life to the Congress party, and I am glad that I did the right work. Congress is different from other parties. Our emotion is different, we do not work for power, we work for service (of the people)," said Congress leader Girija Vyas after casting her vote in Udaipur.

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

"I had an opportunity to visit several districts and I can say that there is one-sided wave in the favour of Congress due to the work we have done in the last five years," says Congress leader Jitendra S Alwar after casting his vote in Alwar.

Here's all you need to know about the ongoing elections in the state.

"People are very excited here. They are very smart and they know whom they should vote," said RLP leader Hanuman Beniwal.
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As polling is underway for the elections in the 199 seats, let’s take a look at the 2018 election results: In the 2018 Rajasthan Assembly elections, the Congress party had won 100 seats, emerging as the single largest party short of majority by one seat. While the Bharatiya Janata Party managed to win only 73 seats.

While women's issues remained a talking point, their representation in the state’s electoral space is yet to gain momentum. The BJP has fielded only 20 women candidates while the Congress has fielded 28. There are 183 women candidates in the fray. The figures are a far cry from the promise of 33 percent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

"I am confident (about Congress winning Rajasthan polls). Our seven guarantees are going to be a masterstroke in Rajasthan," said Vaibhav Gehlot, son of Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot.

Rajasthan minister Dr Bulaki Das Kalla in Bikaner said, "Congress won in Rajasthan in 1980 assembly elections, then in 1985 also the party won in the state. Like 1985, Congress will again win and repeat government in Rajasthan."

"He (Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot) has spent his entire life for the welfare of the people and country. The party (Congress) wanted him to be a national level leader, but he wans to work for his city and the state. People should think about it," says Agrasen Gehlot, brother of Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot, when asked who will be the CM if Congress retains power in Rajasthan.

Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, who cast his vote in Udaipur, said, "It is our duty to vote, not just our right."

The state recorded 9.77% voter turnout recorded till 9am, as per Election Commission of India.

"There is great enthusiasm in polling parties. Around 3 lakh people have been deployed as part of polling parties...Voters are showing zeal...I appeal to people to vote in large numbers and participate in this process. Don't consider this a holiday," said state's chief electoral officer Praveen Gupta.

Congress leader Gourav Vallabh casts his vote in Udaipur. "The voters of Udaipur are with us. Our priorities are to generate employment opportunities for youth, double tourist footfall, and strengthen the mining industry among others."

Congress leader Gourav Vallabh casts his vote in Udaipur. "The voters of Udaipur are with us. Our priorities are to generate employment opportunities for youth, double tourist footfall, and strengthen the mining industry among others."

BJP candidate from Bikaner East, Siddhi Kumari, is in the spotlight in the Rajasthan assembly polls 2023. According to reports, she turned into a billionaire from a millionaire in five years. In 2018, her total wealth was reported at Rs 8.89 crore but this year it surged to over Rs 100 crore, according to the current affidavit of the Election Commission.

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," said BJP state unit chief CP Joshi.

"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 BJP leader Vasundhara Raje
after casting her vote.

"People of Rajasthan are with PM Modi and BJP. The BJP will come to power and the Congress will lose," said state BJP chief CP Joshi.

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After casting his vote in Jodhpur, Union Minister and BJP leader Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said, "The public will vote to change the government and create new history in the state."

Prominent candidates in the fray include Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, former CM Vasundhara Raje, former Deputy CM Sachin Pilot, Congress national spokesperson Gourav Vallabh, Union Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore, Vishwaraj Singh Mewar, Rajasthan Assembly Speaker CP Joshi, and Rajasthan LoP Rajendra Rathore.

More than 1.70 lakh security personnel have been deployed across the state. 70,000 Rajasthan Police personnel, 18,000 Rajasthan Home Guards, 2,000 Rajasthan Border Home Guards, 15,000 Home Guards of other states (Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh), 120 RAC Companies have been deployed.

"Congress only spreads lies. They will get a befitting reply (from people) in Rajasthan because of the way they have exploited people," said
Mahant Balaknath, BJP candidate from Tijara assembly constituency.

Vishvaraj Singh Mewar, BJP candidate from Nathdwara constituency, cast his vote. "The BJP will get a clear majority," he said,

"People of Rajasthan will vote for a double engine government so that the state and central governments work together for development," said BJP leader
Satish Poonia as polling for Rajasthan elections 2023 begins.

BJP MP and candidate from Jhotwara Assembly constituency, Rajyavardhan Rathore termed the elections a "festival". "I urge all voters to celebrate this once-in-5-years festival with great fervour. Exercise your right to vote. This festival decides your future. This decides your next five years. This difference is clear...I don't think the voters will have any difficulty," he said.

"It is a one-sided election in Bagidora. I am contesting for the fourth time, I am sure I will hit a 4 this time," said Rajasthan minister and Congress leader Mahendrajeet Malviya.

The Rajasthan assembly election is special for the contrasting governance models of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Congress. Modi’s welfarism is targeted, and with scope for excluding the affluent (recall the Give it Up campaign). In contrast, the Congress espouses universal coverage for welfare schemes as illustrated by parliamentary enactment for food security, rural unemployment, etc.

Ahead of casting his vote in Kisamidesar of Bikaner East assembly constituency, Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said, "I have appealed to all the voters to cast their votes...BJP is going to form the government in Rajasthan."

At present, Congress has 107 MLAs, BJP 70, 3 RLP, 2 each of CPI (M) and Bhartiya Tribal Party (BTP), 1 Rashtriya Lok Dal, 13 are independents and two seats (Udaipur and Karanpur) are vacant.

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot changed his profile picture on X, which has gone viral on social media. In the new profile picture, he is seen hugging the Rajasthan map cutout with the Congress logo. It says "Kyonki Dil hai Rajasthani" (Because the heart is Rajasthani!)".

"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," said Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.

"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," said Congress leader Sachin Pilot.
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Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje is expected to cast her vote at nearly 7.30 am. Her grandson, Vinayak Pratap, will his cast his vote for the first time.

Voters in the state have not given any government a second term since 1993 and the BJP is banking on this as well as Prime Minister Modi's popularity to return to power. Former chief minister Vasundhara Raje, who is arguably the party's most popular leader in Rajasthan, has not been declared the chief ministerial face.

"For the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly elections, voting will take place today. I appeal to all voters to exercise their voting rights in maximum numbers and create a new record of voter turnout. My best wishes to all the young citizens of the state who are voting for the first time on this occasion," the Prime Minister tweeted in Hindi.

When asked if it is a Gehlot vs PM Modi fight in Rajasthan election, CM Ashok Gehlot says, " There used to be a time when a PM used to hold 2-3 meetings in a state and the message used to reach to villages but now, PM has to hold 30 meetings...he attacked me during his speeches because he is sad about the fact that they (BJP) could not topple the govt in Rajasthan"

"Around 1 lakh 71 thousand police forces have been deployed. Webcasting is also being done at more than 26,000 polling stations...Apart from sector officers, area magistrates, police patrolling parties, the Quick Response Team and striking teams will be present. Polling parties have reached with the EVM machines," said Chief Election Officer Praveen Gupta.

-- An annual honorarium of Rs 10,000 to the woman head of the family
-- LPG cylinders at subsidised rates to 1.05 crore families
-- Purchase of dung from cattle rearers for Rs 2 per kg
-- Law to safeguard the old pension scheme for government employees
-- Laptop or tablet to students taking admission in government colleges
-- Insurance cover up to Rs 15 lakh per family to compensate losses due to natural calamities and school education in English medium.
-- A caste census if it is voted to power again, 10 lakh jobs, including in the government sector, and a new scheme for recruitment at the panchayat level.

In 1993, the BJP completed its first full term in the state. Since then, no party has been able to beat anti-incumbency to win consecutive Assembly elections in the state

The decision to not project Vasundhara Raje as the party’s chief ministerial candidate and go for “collective leadership” has upset loyalists . Raje herself has not said a word out of place and is campaigning primarily for candidates close to her.

There is reportedly anger against individual legislators from the Congress for their long spells of absence and for not doing sufficient development work in their respective constituencies. Mindful of this, the Congress wanted to deny tickets to a substantial number of sitting legislators but failed to do so.

Congress has promised seven guarantees in this election, including an annual honorarium of ₹10,000 per annum for women heads of families and subsidised gas cylinders for just ₹500 for over 10 million households

The Congress leader has made sure his government’s welfare schemes were drawn up well ahead of elections so that they could be implemented in time, ensuring delivery to the beneficiaries.

While Muslims constitute just nine percent of Rajasthan’s population, the minority community has influence in about 40 seats of the total 200 in the state.

Sachin Pilot belongs to the Gujjar community, estimated to be around 9-10% of the population in the state and important to the outcome of 40-odd seats in eastern parts

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot tweeted a video clip of Sachin Pilot appealing for votes, calling him “the Congress’s young leader”. The video countered BJP’s line of attack in the campaign of rift between the two leaders

Rajasthan has always seen bipolar contests between the BJP and Congress, with no other party able to come anywhere close to power.

BJP is hoping to raise the issues of law and order and corruption, especially the “Red Dairy” issue raised by a former minister in Gehlot government, Rajendra Singh Gudha. BJP has linked the dairy to corruption by Gehlot with PM Modi raising the issue in at least three election rallies in Rajasthan

Several names are doing the rounds for the top job. Among those include former two-time CM Vasundhara Raje; Union Jal Shakti minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat; Union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw; even Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla. But the party is mum so far and has simply announced that it will contest “unitedly” under the leadership of PM Modi.

According to the October 16, 2023 notification issued by the state government, the date of the election has been declared a public holiday. Banks in the state will also be closed. The Reserve Bank of India has updated its state-wise bank holiday schedule to reflect the same.

A total of 5,26,90,146 voters will decide the fate of 1,875 candidates, including 183 female contestants, at a total of 51,507 polling stations in the assembly constituencies.