Khairagarh: Vote counting for the by poll held in Khairagarh constituency that was held on April 12th began on Saturday at Rajnandgaon Seed Corporation office under heavy security.As per the early trends, the ruling party Congress is seen leading with 6603 votes in results of the fifth round. In the first round – 3068 and 2693 votes were counted in the favour of Congress and BJP respectively. While in the second round again Congress took the lead with 3948 votes.
PCC President Mohan Markam reached Rajiv Bhawan Raipur to visit Khairagarh today.Interacting with media after the results of three rounds, Congress candidate Yashoda Verma claimed to have achived victory, he said, “today I have brought the blessings of Hanuman ji. People have stamped the promise of Congress to make Khairagarh a district”.
As per the instructions by EC, the premises under heavy security will complete the vote counting in 21 rounds by 250 officials employeed until late in the evening. Rajnandgaon District Election Officer Taran Prakash Sinha, has been deployed to scrutinize the poll counting. Postal ballots were first taken up for counting followed by votes cast in the EVMs.The voter turnout in the bypoll for the seat located in state’s Naxal-affected Rajnandgaon district, was 77.88 per cent.
A total of 10 contestants were in the fray, but political experts feel that this time the fight is virtually between the ruling Congress and opposition BJP as the JCC (J) has lost its appeal after the demise of Ajit Jogi in 2020. The Congress campaigned vigorously as Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel held roadshows for six days in a row.