Chhattisgarh: In Chhattisgarh’s Bhanupratappur assembly, counting is going on for the MLA’s chair from 8 am. EVM counting is also going on along with the counting of 396 postal ballots. The Congress party continues to dominate in the early trends.
Savitri Mandavi is leading with 6980 votes. On the second number is Akbar Ram, the candidate of Sarv Adivasi Samaj, who got 2522 votes. BJP candidate Brahmanand Netam who is accused of raping a minor got 1433 votes. So far, in the fifth round of counting, Congress has got a total of 16133 votes, Adivasi Samaj 9153, and BJP 7117. Counting will take place in 19 rounds for 256 EVMs on 14 tables. Tight security arrangements have been made outside the counting room. There is the deployment of security forces in large numbers.
After the initial trend in favor of Congress, there is an atmosphere of celebration in the Congress camp. Workers were seen bursting fireworks outside the Kondagaon Congress office. Congress candidate Savitri Mandavi is maintaining a steady lead so far. The voting was held on December 5 in 256 polling booths for the assembly by-elections. The counting of votes is carried out today. The exit polls suggested that there will be a fierce fight between Congress and BJP in this by-election.
On the other hand, the candidates standing from all the tribal society will cut tremendous votes of both these parties. However, it is also being speculated that the margin of victory and defeat will also be very less. The biggest issue in the election is the tribal reservation.
Congress has accused BJP candidate Brahmanand Netam of rape. On the other hand, by making reservation a big issue, the BJP tried to clear the way for its victory in this election ground. Apparently, all tribal societies are angry with both of these parties. More updates to follow as the counting goes on…