Lok Sabha polls 2024: Chhattisgarh Phase 1 voting underway. Here are the key candidates

The voting for phase 1 of Lok Sabha elections of 2024 is underway in Bastar in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh on Friday (Apr 19). The voting is taking place under heavy security as it comes a day after 29 Maoists were killed in an encounter with security forces in the region.

The state of Chhattisgarh, which has 11 Lok Sabha seats, will vote in three phases on April 19, 26 and May 7 of Lok Sabha elections.

The Bastar-Jagdalpur (ST) Lok Sabha constituency lies at the core of the state's tribal community.

It holds the status of a Scheduled Tribe (ST) reserved constituency, covering Bastar-Jagdalpur and Bijapur districts, as well as Dantewada, Narayanpur, and Sukma districts.

Here are the key candidates

Mahesh Kashyap

In this election, the ruling party BJP has fielded Mahesh Kashyap as its candidate. While there were several notable contenders, such as former MPs and seasoned politicians like Kedar Kashyap and Dinesh Kashyap, the BJP chose Mahesh, a youthful and committed member with a solid background in the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal.

Mahesh Kashyap is currently the District President of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Scheduled Tribe Morcha and also the State Vice President of Sarva Adivasi Tribal Samaj.

He has been raising his voice against the conversion of tribals under the banner of Bastar Cultural Forum.

Kawasi Lakhma

Congress decided to field Kawasi Lakhma as their candidate in Bastar. Lakhma is a experienced politician with a strong connection to the region. He has an undefeated track record as MLA. Lakhma’s popularity stems from his ability to connect with the people on a personal level.

Kawasi Lakhma is a cabinet minister in Chhattisgarh. He has been elected from the Konta constituency five times.

He is a tribal leader. He was elected as an MLA in 2003 with a huge margin. Lakhma had raised questions on the quality of development activities in Naxalism-hit Sukma district of Chhattisgarh.

He is the cabinet minister of Commercial Tax, Commerce and Industry in the Chhattisgarh government. The Konta constituency is a part of the Sukma district.In 2018, Kawasi Lakhma won from the seat

(With inputs from agencies)