India’s national ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has declared Vishnu Deo Sai as the new chief minister of&nbsp;Chhattisgarh, a central Indian state that recently went into polls.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP emerged victorious in the polls, winning 54 seats out of 90. The incumbent Congress party was reduced to just 35 seats while the regional party Gondwana Gantantra Party (GGP) managed to win just one seat.

<h2>Decision taken in Sunday meeting</h2>

The decision to elect Vishnu Deo Sai as the next CM was made in the BJP's legislative party meeting held on Sunday (Dec 10).&nbsp;

Earlier, the party had selected Union ministers Arjun Munda, Sarbananda Sonowal and BJP general secretary Dushyant Gautam as observers for the state, entrusted with the responsibility of selecting the new CM.

According to sources, the elected legislators jointly agreed to make Vishnu Deo Sai, a tribal leader, the state’s new chief minister.

All three observers, elected MLAs and former chief minister of the state Raman Singh were present in the meeting.

<h2>Who is Vishnu Deo Sai?</h2>

Vishnu Deo Sai, a tribal leader, is BJP's former state chief and a former Union minister.&nbsp;

He held the position of State President of the BJP for Chhattisgarh from 2020 to 2022. He is also known to have close links with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), an Indian nationalist movement and the ideological&nbsp;fountainhead&nbsp;of BJP.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/india-news/who-will-be-chhattisgarh-cm-bjps-5-probable-candidates-1701618706905">Also read:&nbsp;Who Will Be Chhattisgarh CM? BJP’s 5 Probable Candidates</a>

He was also the Minister of State (MoS) for Steel, Mines, Labour and Employment in&nbsp;the first Narendra Modi Cabinet.

Deo won four consecutive Lok Sabha elections from the Raigarh constituency in 1999, 2004, 2009 and 2014.

Watch:&nbsp;PM Modi at BJP headquarters: 'People of Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and MP have shown their love'

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It is to be noted that BJP had contested the 2023 Chhattisgarh Assembly polls without declaring any CM face.

(With inputs from agencies)

India’s national ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has declared Vishnu Deo Sai as the new chief minister of Chhattisgarh, a central Indian state that recently went into polls.

India’s national ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has declared Vishnu Deo Sai as the new chief minister of Chhattisgarh, a central Indian state that recently went into polls. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP emerged victorious in the polls, winning 54 seats out of 90. The incumbent Congress party was reduced to just 35 seats while the regional party Gondwana Gantantra Party (GGP) managed to win just one seat. Decision taken in Sunday meeting The decision to elect Vishnu Deo Sai as the next CM was made in the BJP's legislative party meeting held on Sunday (Dec 10). Earlier, the party had selected Union ministers Arjun Munda, Sarbananda Sonowal and BJP general secretary Dushyant Gautam as observers for the state, entrusted with the responsibility of selecting the new CM. According to sources, the elected legislators jointly agreed to make Vishnu Deo Sai, a tribal leader, the state’s new chief minister. All three observers, elected MLAs and former chief minister of the state Raman Singh were present in the meeting. Who is Vishnu Deo Sai? Vishnu Deo Sai, a tribal leader, is BJP's former state chief and a former Union minister. He held the position of State President of the BJP for Chhattisgarh from 2020 to 2022. He is also known to have close links with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), an Indian nationalist movement and the ideological fountainhead of BJP. Also read: Who Will Be Chhattisgarh CM? BJP’s 5 Probable Candidates He was also the Minister of State (MoS) for Steel, Mines, Labour and Employment in the first Narendra Modi Cabinet. Deo won four consecutive Lok Sabha elections from the Raigarh constituency in 1999, 2004, 2009 and 2014. Watch: PM Modi at BJP headquarters: 'People of Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and MP have shown their love' × It is to be noted that BJP had contested the 2023 Chhattisgarh Assembly polls without declaring any CM face. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Vishnu Deo Sai? BJP’s newly-picked chief minister for Chhattisgarh state

India's election season is officially here. Top political parties in India stare at a litmus test as state elections are slated to kick off in Chhattisgarh and Mizoram on November 7.

India elections to kick off with polls in Chhattisgarh, Mizoram

Assembly Election 2018: Expect a photo finish in Chhattisgarh

All arrangements have been made for the second and final phase of the Chhattisgarh Assembly elections to be held in 72 seats of 19 districts on Tuesday amid tight security, with the deployment of over one lakh police personnel.

The fate of nine ministers, assembly speaker and some other prominent leaders of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as well as of the Congress will be decide in the polls.

In the first phase, polling was held in 18 seats of eight Naxal-affected districts on November 12.

Eyeing a fourth consecutive term, the BJP has set a target of winning 65 plus seats in the 90-member Assembly, while the Congress is seeking to end its 15-year exile from power in the tribal-dominated state.

The coalition between the Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), former chief minister Ajit Jogi's Janata Congress Chhattisgarh (J) and the Communist Party of India (CPI) has added a twist to the poll battle.

Polling will be held from 8 am to 5 pm in these seats of central and north Chhattisgarh where as many as 1,079 candidates, including 72 each from the BJP and the Congress, are in fray, an election official said.

For the second phase of polls, there are 1,53,85,983 voters, including 77,46,628 men, 76,38,415 women and 940 of the third gender.

As many as 19,296 polling booths have been set up for the second phase, the official said.

The highest number of 46 contestants are in the Raipur City South constituency, while the lowest number of six contestants are in the Bindranavagarh seat.

Over one lakh security personnel have been deployed to ensure peaceful polling, a police official said.

Extra vigil is being maintained in Naxal-affected Gariaband, Dhamtari, Mahasamund, Kabirdham, Jashpur and Balrampur districts, he said.

State Assembly Speaker Gaurishankar Agrawal has been retained from the Kasdol seat, which he had won against Congress's Rajkamal Singhaniya in the 2013 elections.

The Congress has this time fielded a fresh face, Shankutala Sahu, from the seat.

The BJP has this time fielded nine ministers Brijmohan Agrawal (Raipur City South), Rajesh Munat (Raipur City West), Amar Agrawal (Bilaspur), Bhaiyyalal Rajwade (Baikunthpur), Ramsevak Paikra (Pratappur), Punnulal Mohile (Mungeli), Prem Prakash Pandey (Bhilai Nagar), Dayaldas Baghel (Nawagarh) and Ajay Chandrakar (Kurud), and also state chief Dharamlal Kaushik (Bilha).

Congress state chief Bhupesh Baghel (Patan), Leader of Opposition T S Singhdeo (Ambikapur), Congress MP from Durg Lok Sabha seat Tamradhwaj Sahu (Durg rural), and former Union minister Charandas Mahant (Shakti) are among the key opposition party candidates in the fray.

A three-way fight is expected in several seats of Bilaspur division where Ajit Jogi's party and the BSP have a considerable presence.

Jogi is contesting from the Marwahi segment where the BJP and the Congress have fielded new faces Archana Porte and Gulab Singh, respectively.

The Kota seat is also likely to witness a three-cornered contest among incumbent MLA Renu Jogi (JCC-J), Vibhor Singh (Congress) and Kashi Sahu (BJP).

In the Akaltara seat, Ajit Jogi's daughter-in-law Richa Jogi (BSP) is likely to give a tough fight to Saurabh Singh (BJP) and incumbent MLA Chunnilal Sahu (Congress).

Of the 72 seats, 46 are for the general category, while nine are reserved for Scheduled Castes and 17 for Scheduled Tribes candidates.

Of these seats, the BJP had won 43 seats in the 2013 polls while the Congress had bagged 27. One seat each was won by the BSP and an independent candidate.

During the poll campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah and other senior saffron party leaders targeted Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and his family and accused the opposition party of misleading people during its 50-year rule in the country.

The BJP also recalled the development works and achievements of its 15-year rule in the state.

The Congress, however, raised farmers' issues during the poll campaign and promised them loan waiver, bonus on paddy procurement and setting up food processing unit if it wins the election.

It accused the prime minister of remaining "silent" on the "corruption charges" against Chief Minister Raman Singh in the alleged Rs 36,000-crore civil supply scam and not acting against the chief minister's son Abhishek Singh in the Panama Papers case.

The chief minister and his son had earlier denied the allegations against them.

The first phase of polls in 18 seats of eight Naxal-hit districts had recorded over 76 per cent voter turnout.

The counting of votes will be held on December 11.

All arrangements have been made for the second and final phase of the Chhattisgarh Assembly elections to be held in 72 seats of 19 districts on Tuesday amid tight security, with the deployment of over one lakh police personnel.

All arrangements have been made for the second and final phase of the Chhattisgarh Assembly elections to be held in 72 seats of 19 districts on Tuesday amid tight security, with the deployment of over one lakh police personnel. The fate of nine ministers, assembly speaker and some other prominent leaders of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as well as of the Congress will be decide in the polls. In the first phase, polling was held in 18 seats of eight Naxal-affected districts on November 12. Eyeing a fourth consecutive term, the BJP has set a target of winning 65 plus seats in the 90-member Assembly, while the Congress is seeking to end its 15-year exile from power in the tribal-dominated state. The coalition between the Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), former chief minister Ajit Jogi's Janata Congress Chhattisgarh (J) and the Communist Party of India (CPI) has added a twist to the poll battle. Polling will be held from 8 am to 5 pm in these seats of central and north Chhattisgarh where as many as 1,079 candidates, including 72 each from the BJP and the Congress, are in fray, an election official said. For the second phase of polls, there are 1,53,85,983 voters, including 77,46,628 men, 76,38,415 women and 940 of the third gender. As many as 19,296 polling booths have been set up for the second phase, the official said. The highest number of 46 contestants are in the Raipur City South constituency, while the lowest number of six contestants are in the Bindranavagarh seat. Over one lakh security personnel have been deployed to ensure peaceful polling, a police official said. Extra vigil is being maintained in Naxal-affected Gariaband, Dhamtari, Mahasamund, Kabirdham, Jashpur and Balrampur districts, he said. State Assembly Speaker Gaurishankar Agrawal has been retained from the Kasdol seat, which he had won against Congress's Rajkamal Singhaniya in the 2013 elections. The Congress has this time fielded a fresh face, Shankutala Sahu, from the seat. The BJP has this time fielded nine ministers Brijmohan Agrawal (Raipur City South), Rajesh Munat (Raipur City West), Amar Agrawal (Bilaspur), Bhaiyyalal Rajwade (Baikunthpur), Ramsevak Paikra (Pratappur), Punnulal Mohile (Mungeli), Prem Prakash Pandey (Bhilai Nagar), Dayaldas Baghel (Nawagarh) and Ajay Chandrakar (Kurud), and also state chief Dharamlal Kaushik (Bilha). Congress state chief Bhupesh Baghel (Patan), Leader of Opposition T S Singhdeo (Ambikapur), Congress MP from Durg Lok Sabha seat Tamradhwaj Sahu (Durg rural), and former Union minister Charandas Mahant (Shakti) are among the key opposition party candidates in the fray. A three-way fight is expected in several seats of Bilaspur division where Ajit Jogi's party and the BSP have a considerable presence. Jogi is contesting from the Marwahi segment where the BJP and the Congress have fielded new faces Archana Porte and Gulab Singh, respectively. The Kota seat is also likely to witness a three-cornered contest among incumbent MLA Renu Jogi (JCC-J), Vibhor Singh (Congress) and Kashi Sahu (BJP). In the Akaltara seat, Ajit Jogi's daughter-in-law Richa Jogi (BSP) is likely to give a tough fight to Saurabh Singh (BJP) and incumbent MLA Chunnilal Sahu (Congress). Of the 72 seats, 46 are for the general category, while nine are reserved for Scheduled Castes and 17 for Scheduled Tribes candidates. Of these seats, the BJP had won 43 seats in the 2013 polls while the Congress had bagged 27. One seat each was won by the BSP and an independent candidate. During the poll campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah and other senior saffron party leaders targeted Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and his family and accused the opposition party of misleading people during its 50-year rule in the country. The BJP also recalled the development works and achievements of its 15-year rule in the state. The Congress, however, raised farmers' issues during the poll campaign and promised them loan waiver, bonus on paddy procurement and setting up food processing unit if it wins the election. It accused the prime minister of remaining "silent" on the "corruption charges" against Chief Minister Raman Singh in the alleged Rs 36,000-crore civil supply scam and not acting against the chief minister's son Abhishek Singh in the Panama Papers case. The chief minister and his son had earlier denied the allegations against them. The first phase of polls in 18 seats of eight Naxal-hit districts had recorded over 76 per cent voter turnout. The counting of votes will be held on December 11.

Second phase of polling in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday; 1 lakh cops deployed

Unaccounted cash, illicit liquor and other items worth over Rs 11.85 crore has been seized by officials in Chhattisgarh in run-up to assembly elections since October 4 when the model code came into force.

The elections for the total 90 constituencies are being held in two phases--November 12 and November 20.

"Flying squads constituted by district election offices have been keeping a close watch on illegal consignment of liquor, cash and other items meant to influence the polls," said an officer with the office of State Chief Electoral Officer (CEO).

These squads comprise personnel from the police, excise and income tax departments, he said.

He said unaccounted cash, illicit liquor, drugs, jewellery and other items worth Rs 11,85,51,461 have been seized from separate places in the state during October 4 - November 16 periods.

"Recovered items include cash worth Rs 4,47,13,358 and 70,681 litres of liquor worth around Rs 1,30,15,000," he said.

The officer said 22-kg narcotic items worth Rs 1.76 lakh were also recovered.

"Besides, jewelleries and other valuables worth Rs 29,13,871 were seized, apart from laptops, vehicles, pressure cookers and other items worth Rs 5,77,33,175," he said, adding that cases have been registered under appropriate acts.

The ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), which is eyeing the fourth consecutive term in Chhattisgarh, and the opposition Congress are locked&nbsp; 
in a close contest in the state.

The contest has become triangular with the entry of former chief minister Ajit Jogi whose outfit has tied up with Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) of Mayawati and the CPI.

Unaccounted cash, illicit liquor and other items worth over Rs 11.85 crore has been seized by officials in Chhattisgarh in run-up to assembly elections since October 4 when the model code came into force.

Unaccounted cash, illicit liquor and other items worth over Rs 11.85 crore has been seized by officials in Chhattisgarh in run-up to assembly elections since October 4 when the model code came into force. The elections for the total 90 constituencies are being held in two phases--November 12 and November 20. "Flying squads constituted by district election offices have been keeping a close watch on illegal consignment of liquor, cash and other items meant to influence the polls," said an officer with the office of State Chief Electoral Officer (CEO). These squads comprise personnel from the police, excise and income tax departments, he said. He said unaccounted cash, illicit liquor, drugs, jewellery and other items worth Rs 11,85,51,461 have been seized from separate places in the state during October 4 - November 16 periods. "Recovered items include cash worth Rs 4,47,13,358 and 70,681 litres of liquor worth around Rs 1,30,15,000," he said. The officer said 22-kg narcotic items worth Rs 1.76 lakh were also recovered. "Besides, jewelleries and other valuables worth Rs 29,13,871 were seized, apart from laptops, vehicles, pressure cookers and other items worth Rs 5,77,33,175," he said, adding that cases have been registered under appropriate acts. The ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), which is eyeing the fourth consecutive term in Chhattisgarh, and the opposition Congress are locked in a close contest in the state. The contest has become triangular with the entry of former chief minister Ajit Jogi whose outfit has tied up with Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) of Mayawati and the CPI.

Chhattisgarh polls: Unaccounted cash, booze worth over Rs 11 crore seized

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday accused Congress of "encouraging corruption, naxalism, terrorism and misrule" during its rule in the country.

Addressing a campaign rally for the second phase of Assembly polls in Raigarh, Adityanath said the second phase of polling is on November 20, which is a Tuesday - a day associated with Lord Hanuman. He appealed to the people to vote on the auspicious day and targeted Congress by saying, "Congress has done nothing except divide the society on the basis of caste, region, religion and language. Those who don't worship Lord Ram are worthless."

He also accused Congress of "insulting martyrdom" of security forces engaged in anti-Naxal operations by terming Maoists as "revolutionaries".

Without naming UP Congress chief Raj Babbar, Adityanath said, "A leader of UP Congress had termed naxals as revolutionaries which is an insult to the martyrdom of security forces fighting Maoists".

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP with a slogan of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas has launched public welfare schemes for the inclusive development of people belonging to all sections of society, he said.

During the Congress rule, mining and forest mafia, cattle trafficking and naxalism were "at an all-time high" in Chhattisgarh but the BJP government contained all theses ills,he said.

"Earlier, Rs 100 released from Delhi became Rs 10 on reaching people because the remaining Rs 90 was embezzled by dalals (middlemen) of Congress. But now it has changed and Rs 100 released by the Modi government remains Rs 100 when the amount reaches people through digital payment mode," he said.

Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan were considered as Bimaru states during the Congress rule, he said. "But now these states are considered among the developed states after BJP government came to power there," he said.

(With inputs from PTI)

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday accused Congress of "encouraging corruption, naxalism, terrorism and misrule" during its rule in the country.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday accused Congress of "encouraging corruption, naxalism, terrorism and misrule" during its rule in the country. Addressing a campaign rally for the second phase of Assembly polls in Raigarh, Adityanath said the second phase of polling is on November 20, which is a Tuesday - a day associated with Lord Hanuman. He appealed to the people to vote on the auspicious day and targeted Congress by saying, "Congress has done nothing except divide the society on the basis of caste, region, religion and language. Those who don't worship Lord Ram are worthless." He also accused Congress of "insulting martyrdom" of security forces engaged in anti-Naxal operations by terming Maoists as "revolutionaries". Without naming UP Congress chief Raj Babbar, Adityanath said, "A leader of UP Congress had termed naxals as revolutionaries which is an insult to the martyrdom of security forces fighting Maoists". Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP with a slogan of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas has launched public welfare schemes for the inclusive development of people belonging to all sections of society, he said. During the Congress rule, mining and forest mafia, cattle trafficking and naxalism were "at an all-time high" in Chhattisgarh but the BJP government contained all theses ills,he said. "Earlier, Rs 100 released from Delhi became Rs 10 on reaching people because the remaining Rs 90 was embezzled by dalals (middlemen) of Congress. But now it has changed and Rs 100 released by the Modi government remains Rs 100 when the amount reaches people through digital payment mode," he said. Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan were considered as Bimaru states during the Congress rule, he said. "But now these states are considered among the developed states after BJP government came to power there," he said. (With inputs from PTI)

Those who don't worship Lord Ram are worthless: Yogi Adityanath in Chhattisgarh

Five security personnel returning from election duty and a civilian were injured when Maoists blew up a truck with an IED in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district on Wednesday, a senior police official said.

Four personnel of the Border Security Force (BSF) and one of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) were among those injured, he said.

The incident took place around 9 am at Bijapur Ghati in the district, located around 450 km from state capital Raipur, Bijapur Superintendent of Police Mohit Garg told.

After completing their duty in the first phase polling on Monday, the BSF personnel, along with the local police, left in a convoy from Modakpal to Dhamtari district for deployment for the second phase of polling on November 20, he said.

When they reached Bijapur Ghati, Maoists blew up the truck leading the convoy with an improvised explosive device (IED) hidden beneath the road, he said.

Assistant sub-inspector Naresh Singh (44), and constables Alok Singh (30), Narayan Singh (29) and Bhagwan Singh (45) of the BSF's 414th battalion, DRG constable Wasam Ganpat (43), and truck driver Mitram Ravte (40) suffered injuries in the blast, Garg said.

Following the explosion, an exchange of fire broke out between the security men and the ultras. After a brief encounter, the rebels fled the spot, he said.

Reinforcement was rushed to the spot and the injured were initially shifted to a local hospital and later airlifted to Raipur for further treatment, the SP said.

A search operation was underway in the region to trace the ultras, he added.

On Monday, polling was held amid tight security in 18 constituencies in eight Naxal-affected districts of the state.

The rest 72 seats will go to polls on November 20 and the counting of votes will be held on December 11.&nbsp;

Five security personnel returning from election duty and a civilian were injured when Maoists blew up a truck with an IED in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district on Wednesday, a senior police official said.

Five security personnel returning from election duty and a civilian were injured when Maoists blew up a truck with an IED in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district on Wednesday, a senior police official said. Four personnel of the Border Security Force (BSF) and one of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) were among those injured, he said. The incident took place around 9 am at Bijapur Ghati in the district, located around 450 km from state capital Raipur, Bijapur Superintendent of Police Mohit Garg told. After completing their duty in the first phase polling on Monday, the BSF personnel, along with the local police, left in a convoy from Modakpal to Dhamtari district for deployment for the second phase of polling on November 20, he said. When they reached Bijapur Ghati, Maoists blew up the truck leading the convoy with an improvised explosive device (IED) hidden beneath the road, he said. Assistant sub-inspector Naresh Singh (44), and constables Alok Singh (30), Narayan Singh (29) and Bhagwan Singh (45) of the BSF's 414th battalion, DRG constable Wasam Ganpat (43), and truck driver Mitram Ravte (40) suffered injuries in the blast, Garg said. Following the explosion, an exchange of fire broke out between the security men and the ultras. After a brief encounter, the rebels fled the spot, he said. Reinforcement was rushed to the spot and the injured were initially shifted to a local hospital and later airlifted to Raipur for further treatment, the SP said. A search operation was underway in the region to trace the ultras, he added. On Monday, polling was held amid tight security in 18 constituencies in eight Naxal-affected districts of the state. The rest 72 seats will go to polls on November 20 and the counting of votes will be held on December 11.

6 injured as Maoists blow up truck ferrying security men after poll duty in Chhattisgarh

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday launched a diatribe against <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/gulberg-massacre-supreme-court-to-hear-plea-challenging-clean-chit-given-to-pm-modi-177080">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a>, accusing him of "misleading" people on India's development.

Addressing a rally in Baloda Bazar ahead of the second phase of polling in Chhattisgarh on November 20, Gandhi said as per Modi, development of the country began only after 2014, when he became the prime minister.

"He (Modi) doesn't even know that the country is run by the people and not by a single man. He insults you by making such comments," the Congress president said.

Demonetisation and implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) was aimed to break the back of small and medium businesses, Gandhi said. Congress will encourage youth to do business and get loan facility from banks, he added.

The Congress is not against big industrialists, but if government gives them benefit, small and medium business should not be neglected, he said.

"Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi, Vijay Mallya fled the country with thousands of crores of rupees belonging to the people of India. PM Modi does nothing to bring them back to the country and doesn't utter a word on the issue," he said.

He claimed the CBI director was removed from his post at 1am to stop a probe into the Rafale deal. "If there is an investigation, only two names will come up: Narendra Modi and Anil Ambani. Modi is scared of a probe," he said.

Gandhi claimed Anil Ambani was chosen over HAL for the Rafale deal despite HAL having 70 years experience in manufacturing fighter aircraft.

"Anil Ambani didn't have the experience. He may not have made even a paper aeroplane," he said.

Gandhi said there is an undercurrent in favour of the Congress in the 18 constituencies of Chhattisgarh which went to polls Monday.

Results from Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and other poll-bound states will go in favour of the Congress, he said.

Chhattisgarh is rich in resources, the Congress president said, adding the "dream of the state was broken due to the misrule" of the BJP government.

Promising a "people's government" in Chhattisgarh if voted to power, he said people want a government which listens to their "Mann ki Baat".

"Instead of working for a few industrialists, Congress will work for development of agriculture, education and health in the state," Gandhi said.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday launched a diatribe against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of "misleading" people on India's development. Addressing a rally in Baloda Bazar ahead of the second phase of polling in Chhattisgarh on November 20, Gandhi said as per Modi, development of the country began only after 2014, when he became the prime minister.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday launched a diatribe against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of "misleading" people on India's development. Addressing a rally in Baloda Bazar ahead of the second phase of polling in Chhattisgarh on November 20, Gandhi said as per Modi, development of the country began only after 2014, when he became the prime minister. "He (Modi) doesn't even know that the country is run by the people and not by a single man. He insults you by making such comments," the Congress president said. Demonetisation and implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) was aimed to break the back of small and medium businesses, Gandhi said. Congress will encourage youth to do business and get loan facility from banks, he added. The Congress is not against big industrialists, but if government gives them benefit, small and medium business should not be neglected, he said. "Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi, Vijay Mallya fled the country with thousands of crores of rupees belonging to the people of India. PM Modi does nothing to bring them back to the country and doesn't utter a word on the issue," he said. He claimed the CBI director was removed from his post at 1am to stop a probe into the Rafale deal. "If there is an investigation, only two names will come up: Narendra Modi and Anil Ambani. Modi is scared of a probe," he said. Gandhi claimed Anil Ambani was chosen over HAL for the Rafale deal despite HAL having 70 years experience in manufacturing fighter aircraft. "Anil Ambani didn't have the experience. He may not have made even a paper aeroplane," he said. Gandhi said there is an undercurrent in favour of the Congress in the 18 constituencies of Chhattisgarh which went to polls Monday. Results from Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and other poll-bound states will go in favour of the Congress, he said. Chhattisgarh is rich in resources, the Congress president said, adding the "dream of the state was broken due to the misrule" of the BJP government. Promising a "people's government" in Chhattisgarh if voted to power, he said people want a government which listens to their "Mann ki Baat". "Instead of working for a few industrialists, Congress will work for development of agriculture, education and health in the state," Gandhi said.

Modi doesn't know country run by people, not by one man: Rahul Gandhi

Voting has ended in the 18 seats that went to the polls in Chhattisgarh today.&nbsp;Voter turnout was recorded at 70 per cent.&nbsp;

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Voting has ended, turnout is 70% till now in the first phase of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChhattisgarhElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChhattisgarhElections2018</a>. Figures will be updated later: Umesh Sinha, Election Commission <a href="https://t.co/I26aNS7qB7">pic.twitter.com/I26aNS7qB7</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1061964253488431105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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This included turnouts of 61.47% in Kondagaon, 63.51% &nbsp;in Keshkal, 62% in Kanker; 58% in Bastar, 49% in Dantewada, 60.5% in Khairagarh, 64% in Dongargarh, and 65.5% in Khujji.

While polling percentages were high — most of the areas mentioned above are in the Naxal-hit districts of southern Chhattisgarh — <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-one-ultra-killed-in-encounter-between-security-forces-and-maoists-176612">polling was marred by violence</a>.&nbsp;

Five CRPF personnel were injured and five Maoists killed in an encounter that broke out in Bijapur's Pamed area.&nbsp;

The Maoists had called for a boycott of the polls and had carried out six attacks over the last fortnight.&nbsp;

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After the Nilwaya naxal attack, the challenges have gone up. Naxals had threatened villagers against voting. We assured the villagers of a secure environment, put in place a three level security so that people can vote without fear:CRPF official <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChhattisgarhAssemblyElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChhattisgarhAssemblyElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/gqV7H5Vb4F">pic.twitter.com/gqV7H5Vb4F</a>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chhattisgarh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chhattisgarh</a>: People in Dantewada's Madenda village cast their votes even after threat from the Naxals to cut their fingers if the ink mark is seen on their fingers. Local says, "there are 263 registered voters in the village and many are voting even after the threat." <a href="https://t.co/WPDYX9OiEs">pic.twitter.com/WPDYX9OiEs</a>
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Three of the attacks were major, leaving 13 people dead including a Doordarshan cameraman. The Maoists are not known for attacking journalists but the DD cameraman and his colleagues, who were covering the elections, were travelling with security forces.&nbsp;

One lakh security personnel meanwhile had been deployed in Chhattisgarh for the polls.&nbsp;

The remaining seats in the 90-member house will go to the polls on November 20.&nbsp;

Voting has ended in the 18 seats that went to the polls in Chhattisgarh today. Voter turnout was recorded at 70 per cent. Voting has ended, turnout is 70% till now in the first phase of #ChhattisgarhElections2018.

Voting has ended in the 18 seats that went to the polls in Chhattisgarh today. Voter turnout was recorded at 70 per cent. Voting has ended, turnout is 70% till now in the first phase of #ChhattisgarhElections2018. Figures will be updated later: Umesh Sinha, Election Commission pic.twitter.com/I26aNS7qB7 — ANI (@ANI) November 12, 2018 × This included turnouts of 61.47% in Kondagaon, 63.51% in Keshkal, 62% in Kanker; 58% in Bastar, 49% in Dantewada, 60.5% in Khairagarh, 64% in Dongargarh, and 65.5% in Khujji. While polling percentages were high — most of the areas mentioned above are in the Naxal-hit districts of southern Chhattisgarh — polling was marred by violence. Five CRPF personnel were injured and five Maoists killed in an encounter that broke out in Bijapur's Pamed area. The Maoists had called for a boycott of the polls and had carried out six attacks over the last fortnight. After the Nilwaya naxal attack, the challenges have gone up. Naxals had threatened villagers against voting. We assured the villagers of a secure environment, put in place a three level security so that people can vote without fear:CRPF official #ChhattisgarhAssemblyElections2018 pic.twitter.com/gqV7H5Vb4F — ANI (@ANI) November 12, 2018 × #Chhattisgarh: People in Dantewada's Madenda village cast their votes even after threat from the Naxals to cut their fingers if the ink mark is seen on their fingers. Local says, "there are 263 registered voters in the village and many are voting even after the threat." pic.twitter.com/WPDYX9OiEs — ANI (@ANI) November 12, 2018 × Three of the attacks were major, leaving 13 people dead including a Doordarshan cameraman. The Maoists are not known for attacking journalists but the DD cameraman and his colleagues, who were covering the elections, were travelling with security forces. One lakh security personnel meanwhile had been deployed in Chhattisgarh for the polls. The remaining seats in the 90-member house will go to the polls on November 20.

Chhattisgarh elections: Voter turnout recorded at 70% as 1st phase of polling ends

A BSF assistant sub-inspector was injured in an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-one-ultra-killed-in-encounter-between-security-forces-and-maoists-176612">encounter with security forces</a> in Chhatisgarh's Kanker today. A Maoist was gunned down and another apprehended.&nbsp;

The Maoists reportedly triggered 6 IEDs planted in a row.&nbsp;

This is the fourth IED blast triggered by Naxals in Chhattisgarh in the last 15 days.

They have also carried out six attacks, three of them major, in the last fortnight, which have left 13 people dead.&nbsp;

One of the attacks led to the death of a Doordarshan cameraman covering the upcoming elections. &nbsp;

The first phase of polling will be held in Chattisgarh tomorrow. The second phase of polling on November 20.&nbsp;

The Maoists have called for a boycott of the polls.&nbsp;

Two BSF jawans were injured in an IED blast in Kanker on November 2.&nbsp;

On October 27, four Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed and two others injured after Maoists blew up their bullet-proof bunker vehicle with an IED in Bijapur district.

On November 8, four civilians and a CISF jawan were killed when Naxals detonated an IED in Dantewada district.

Polling parties are being sent to their destination amid tight security, election authorities said.

The first phase of polls on Monday will cover 18 constituencies of eight Naxal-affected districts that include Bastar, Kanker, Sukma, Bijapur, Dantewada, Narayanpur, Kondagaon and Rajnandgaon.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

A BSF assistant sub-inspector was injured in an encounter with security forces in Chhatisgarh's Kanker today. A Maoist was gunned down and another apprehended. The Maoists reportedly triggered 6 IEDs planted in a row.

A BSF assistant sub-inspector was injured in an encounter with security forces in Chhatisgarh's Kanker today. A Maoist was gunned down and another apprehended. The Maoists reportedly triggered 6 IEDs planted in a row. This is the fourth IED blast triggered by Naxals in Chhattisgarh in the last 15 days. They have also carried out six attacks, three of them major, in the last fortnight, which have left 13 people dead. One of the attacks led to the death of a Doordarshan cameraman covering the upcoming elections. The first phase of polling will be held in Chattisgarh tomorrow. The second phase of polling on November 20. The Maoists have called for a boycott of the polls. Two BSF jawans were injured in an IED blast in Kanker on November 2. On October 27, four Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed and two others injured after Maoists blew up their bullet-proof bunker vehicle with an IED in Bijapur district. On November 8, four civilians and a CISF jawan were killed when Naxals detonated an IED in Dantewada district. Polling parties are being sent to their destination amid tight security, election authorities said. The first phase of polls on Monday will cover 18 constituencies of eight Naxal-affected districts that include Bastar, Kanker, Sukma, Bijapur, Dantewada, Narayanpur, Kondagaon and Rajnandgaon. (With inputs from PTI)

Chhattisgarh goes to polls tomorrow: Naxals have carried out 6 attacks in last 15 days

Over 1,200 candidates will fight it out for 90 seats in the upcoming Chhattisgarh Assembly polls where besides the BJP and the Congress, smaller parties have also thrown their hat in the ring.

In the two-phase elections, voting for 18 seats spread across eight Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected districts, will be held on November 12 and for the other 72 seats on November 20. The counting of votes will be held on December 11.

This time, the coalition between the Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), former chief minister Ajit Jogi's Janata Congress Chhattisgarh (J) and the Communist Party of India (CPI) has added another dimension to the electoral politics of Chhattisgarh, which has always been dominated by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress.

While 190 candidates are in the fray for the first phase of polls, 1,101 nominees will battle it out in the second phase of the state elections. 
After the deadline for withdrawal of nomination papers for the second phase of polls expired on Monday, 1,101 candidates are in the fray for 72 seats, a public relation officer at the office of state's Chief Electoral Officer here said.

As many as 2,655 nominations were filed for the second phase and of them, papers of 1,249 candidates were found valid after scrutiny. Of these, 148 candidates withdrew their nominations, leaving 1,101 aspirants for the polls on November 20, he said.

The deadline for withdrawal of nomination papers for the first phase of polls had ended on October 26.

With this, total 1,291 candidates are in fray now for the two-phase Chhattisgarh Assembly elections.

BJP state general secretary Santosh Pandey said his party has set a target to win 65 plus out of the total 90 seats this time and that they are "confident of achieving it".

"Booth-level workers have been asked to inform people about welfare schemes of the Centre and the state government and put in all their efforts to register victory for the fourth consecutive term," he said.&nbsp;

Chief of the state Congress communication wing Shailesh Nitin Trivedi also exuded confidence that his party will win the elections this time.

He said the Congress has fielded seniors as well as youth leaders to ensure victory.

"The party, during its campaign, has been highlighting the 15-year misrule of the Raman Singh government and reaching out to people. It is a well-planned strategy to win the election with a thumping majority," he added.

The first phase of voting will cover Antagarh, Bhanupratappur, Kanker, Kondagaon, Narayanpur, Bastar, Jagdalpur, Keshkal, Chitrakot, Dantewada, Bijapur, Konta, Khairagarh, Dongargarh, Rajnandgaon, Dongargaon, Khujji and Mohla-Manpur seats.

The highest number of 30 candidates will lock horns in the Rajnandgaon constituency, while the lowest number of five nominees will fight it out in Bastar and Kondagaon seats each.

The keenly-watched constituency will be Rajnandgaon, where Chief Minister Raman Singh of the ruling BJP and Congress candidate Karuna Shukla, niece of former prime minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee, are in the fray.

Stakes are very high for the BJP on these 18 seats as it had lost 12 of them in the last polls in 2013.

In the last Assembly polls, of the total 90 seats, the BJP had won 49 seats, Congress 39, BSP 1 and independent 1.

Prominent candidates from the BJP for the November 20 polls include nine incumbent ministers - Brijmohan Agrawal (Raipur city south seat), Rajesh Munat (Raipur city west), Amar Agrawal (Bilaspur), Bhaiyyalal Rajwade (Baikunthpur), Ramsevak Paikra (Pratappur), Punnulal Mohile (Mungeli), Prem Prakash Pandey (Bhilai Nagar), Dayaldas Baghel (Nawagarh) and Ajay Chandrakar (Kurud) besides BJP state president Dharamlal Kaushik (Bilha). 
The key Congress candidates include its state chief Bhupesh Baghel (Patan), Leader of Opposition in the Assembly T S Singhdeo (Ambikapur), party MP from Durg Lok Sabha seat Tamradhwaj Sahu (Durg rural) and former Union minister Charandas Mahant (Shakti).

Besides, Ajit Jogi is contesting from Marwahi, his wife Renu Jogi from Kota while his daughter-in-law Richa Jogi is a BSP nominee from Akaltara seat. 
In the second phase, the highest number of 46 nominees will contest in the Raipur city south seat, while the lowest number of six will fight in the Bindranavagarh seat.

Of the 90 Assembly segments, 51 are general while 10 are reserved for Scheduled Castes and 29 for Scheduled Tribes.

As per the final electoral rolls, total 1,85,59,936 voters, including 92,95,301 males, 92,49,459 females and 1,059 third gender voters, will be exercising their franchise.

There are 19 constituencies where more than two ballot units will be used in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) as more than 16 candidates are in the fray there.

Similarly, more than three ballot units will be used in three constituencies as over 32 candidates are contesting from there.

Over 1,200 candidates will fight it out for 90 seats in the upcoming Chhattisgarh Assembly polls where besides the BJP and the Congress, smaller parties have also thrown their hat in the ring.

Over 1,200 candidates will fight it out for 90 seats in the upcoming Chhattisgarh Assembly polls where besides the BJP and the Congress, smaller parties have also thrown their hat in the ring. In the two-phase elections, voting for 18 seats spread across eight Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected districts, will be held on November 12 and for the other 72 seats on November 20. The counting of votes will be held on December 11. This time, the coalition between the Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), former chief minister Ajit Jogi's Janata Congress Chhattisgarh (J) and the Communist Party of India (CPI) has added another dimension to the electoral politics of Chhattisgarh, which has always been dominated by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress. While 190 candidates are in the fray for the first phase of polls, 1,101 nominees will battle it out in the second phase of the state elections. After the deadline for withdrawal of nomination papers for the second phase of polls expired on Monday, 1,101 candidates are in the fray for 72 seats, a public relation officer at the office of state's Chief Electoral Officer here said. As many as 2,655 nominations were filed for the second phase and of them, papers of 1,249 candidates were found valid after scrutiny. Of these, 148 candidates withdrew their nominations, leaving 1,101 aspirants for the polls on November 20, he said. The deadline for withdrawal of nomination papers for the first phase of polls had ended on October 26. With this, total 1,291 candidates are in fray now for the two-phase Chhattisgarh Assembly elections. BJP state general secretary Santosh Pandey said his party has set a target to win 65 plus out of the total 90 seats this time and that they are "confident of achieving it". "Booth-level workers have been asked to inform people about welfare schemes of the Centre and the state government and put in all their efforts to register victory for the fourth consecutive term," he said. Chief of the state Congress communication wing Shailesh Nitin Trivedi also exuded confidence that his party will win the elections this time. He said the Congress has fielded seniors as well as youth leaders to ensure victory. "The party, during its campaign, has been highlighting the 15-year misrule of the Raman Singh government and reaching out to people. It is a well-planned strategy to win the election with a thumping majority," he added. The first phase of voting will cover Antagarh, Bhanupratappur, Kanker, Kondagaon, Narayanpur, Bastar, Jagdalpur, Keshkal, Chitrakot, Dantewada, Bijapur, Konta, Khairagarh, Dongargarh, Rajnandgaon, Dongargaon, Khujji and Mohla-Manpur seats. The highest number of 30 candidates will lock horns in the Rajnandgaon constituency, while the lowest number of five nominees will fight it out in Bastar and Kondagaon seats each. The keenly-watched constituency will be Rajnandgaon, where Chief Minister Raman Singh of the ruling BJP and Congress candidate Karuna Shukla, niece of former prime minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee, are in the fray. Stakes are very high for the BJP on these 18 seats as it had lost 12 of them in the last polls in 2013. In the last Assembly polls, of the total 90 seats, the BJP had won 49 seats, Congress 39, BSP 1 and independent 1. Prominent candidates from the BJP for the November 20 polls include nine incumbent ministers - Brijmohan Agrawal (Raipur city south seat), Rajesh Munat (Raipur city west), Amar Agrawal (Bilaspur), Bhaiyyalal Rajwade (Baikunthpur), Ramsevak Paikra (Pratappur), Punnulal Mohile (Mungeli), Prem Prakash Pandey (Bhilai Nagar), Dayaldas Baghel (Nawagarh) and Ajay Chandrakar (Kurud) besides BJP state president Dharamlal Kaushik (Bilha). The key Congress candidates include its state chief Bhupesh Baghel (Patan), Leader of Opposition in the Assembly T S Singhdeo (Ambikapur), party MP from Durg Lok Sabha seat Tamradhwaj Sahu (Durg rural) and former Union minister Charandas Mahant (Shakti). Besides, Ajit Jogi is contesting from Marwahi, his wife Renu Jogi from Kota while his daughter-in-law Richa Jogi is a BSP nominee from Akaltara seat. In the second phase, the highest number of 46 nominees will contest in the Raipur city south seat, while the lowest number of six will fight in the Bindranavagarh seat. Of the 90 Assembly segments, 51 are general while 10 are reserved for Scheduled Castes and 29 for Scheduled Tribes. As per the final electoral rolls, total 1,85,59,936 voters, including 92,95,301 males, 92,49,459 females and 1,059 third gender voters, will be exercising their franchise. There are 19 constituencies where more than two ballot units will be used in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) as more than 16 candidates are in the fray there. Similarly, more than three ballot units will be used in three constituencies as over 32 candidates are contesting from there.

1,291 candidates in fray for high-octane Chhattisgarh polls

The Congress on Thursday released its fifth and final list of 19 candidates for this month's Chhattisgarh Assembly election.

Party MLA Gurmukh Singh Hora, Lok Sabha MP Tamradhwaj Sahu and popular Chhattisgarhi singer Mamta Chandrakar feature in the list.

The party has thus announced candidates for all the 90 seats in the state.

Chhattisgarh will go to the polls in two phases - on November 12 and November 20 - and the results will be announced on December 11.

The opposition party had earlier nominated Pratima Chandrakar from the Durg Rural seat, but now she has been replaced by Tamradhwaj Sahu, the Congress MP from Durg.

Renu Jogi, the MLA from Kota and the wife of former chief minister Ajit Jogi, has been denied a ticket this time. Former police officer Vibhor Singh will be the Congress candidate from Kota.

The party has fielded new faces to take on four prominent state ministers of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Shailesh Pandey of the Congress will face minister Amar Agrawal in Bilaspur. Kanhaiya Agrawal will take on minister Brijmohan Agrawal in the Raipur City South constituency.

Laxmikanta Sahu, a woman Congress leader, has been fielded against minister Ajay Chandrakar in Kurud, while Gurdayal Singh Banjare will take on minister Dayaldas Baghel in Nawagarh.

The other new faces in the Congress's list are - Mamta Chandrakar (Pandariya), Rajendra Shukla (Bilha), Anil Kumar Chandra (Jaijaipur), Sangeeta Sinha (Sanjari Balod), Kunwar Singh Nishad (Gundardehi), Prakash Nayak (Raigarh), Ashish Chhabra (Bemetara) and Chakradhar Prasad Sidar (Lailunga-ST).

Anita Sharma, wife of Congress leader Yogendra Sharma, who was killed in a Naxal attack in the Jhiram Valley in May 2013, has been fielded again from Dharsiwa. She had lost to the BJP's Devji Bhai Patel in the 2013 Assembly polls.

Congress MLA from Dhamtari, Gurmukh Singh Hora, has been renominated from the same seat.

Other candidates in the list are Devendra Bahadur Singh (Basna), Kuldeep Juneja (Raipur City North) and Badruddin Qureshi (Vaishali Nagar).

The Congress is seeking to oust the BJP, which has been ruling the state since 2003.

In the 2013 polls, the BJP had won 49 seats, the Congress 39 and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and an Independent candidate had won a seat each.

Former Congress leader Ajit Jogi's Janta Congress Chhattisgarh (J) has formed an alliance with the Mayawati-led BSP and the Communist Party of India (CPI) this time.

The Congress on Thursday released its fifth and final list of 19 candidates for this month's Chhattisgarh Assembly election. Party MLA Gurmukh Singh Hora, Lok Sabha MP Tamradhwaj Sahu and popular Chhattisgarhi singer Mamta Chandrakar feature in the list.

The Congress on Thursday released its fifth and final list of 19 candidates for this month's Chhattisgarh Assembly election. Party MLA Gurmukh Singh Hora, Lok Sabha MP Tamradhwaj Sahu and popular Chhattisgarhi singer Mamta Chandrakar feature in the list. The party has thus announced candidates for all the 90 seats in the state. Chhattisgarh will go to the polls in two phases - on November 12 and November 20 - and the results will be announced on December 11. The opposition party had earlier nominated Pratima Chandrakar from the Durg Rural seat, but now she has been replaced by Tamradhwaj Sahu, the Congress MP from Durg. Renu Jogi, the MLA from Kota and the wife of former chief minister Ajit Jogi, has been denied a ticket this time. Former police officer Vibhor Singh will be the Congress candidate from Kota. The party has fielded new faces to take on four prominent state ministers of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Shailesh Pandey of the Congress will face minister Amar Agrawal in Bilaspur. Kanhaiya Agrawal will take on minister Brijmohan Agrawal in the Raipur City South constituency. Laxmikanta Sahu, a woman Congress leader, has been fielded against minister Ajay Chandrakar in Kurud, while Gurdayal Singh Banjare will take on minister Dayaldas Baghel in Nawagarh. The other new faces in the Congress's list are - Mamta Chandrakar (Pandariya), Rajendra Shukla (Bilha), Anil Kumar Chandra (Jaijaipur), Sangeeta Sinha (Sanjari Balod), Kunwar Singh Nishad (Gundardehi), Prakash Nayak (Raigarh), Ashish Chhabra (Bemetara) and Chakradhar Prasad Sidar (Lailunga-ST). Anita Sharma, wife of Congress leader Yogendra Sharma, who was killed in a Naxal attack in the Jhiram Valley in May 2013, has been fielded again from Dharsiwa. She had lost to the BJP's Devji Bhai Patel in the 2013 Assembly polls. Congress MLA from Dhamtari, Gurmukh Singh Hora, has been renominated from the same seat. Other candidates in the list are Devendra Bahadur Singh (Basna), Kuldeep Juneja (Raipur City North) and Badruddin Qureshi (Vaishali Nagar). The Congress is seeking to oust the BJP, which has been ruling the state since 2003. In the 2013 polls, the BJP had won 49 seats, the Congress 39 and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and an Independent candidate had won a seat each. Former Congress leader Ajit Jogi's Janta Congress Chhattisgarh (J) has formed an alliance with the Mayawati-led BSP and the Communist Party of India (CPI) this time.

Congress releases final list of 19 candidates for Chhattisgarh polls

The BJP Saturday released its first list of 77 candidates for the Chhattisgarh Assembly polls, fielding Chief Minister Raman Singh from the Rajnandgaon seat.

Among the 77 candidates announced out of a total of 90 Assembly segments, 14 are women candidates and 14 sitting MLAs have been replaced with new names, Union minister J P Nadda said.

The list was finalised at the BJP's central election committee meeting that was chaired by party president Amit Shah and attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi among others.

Among those fielded by the BJP include former IAS officer O P Chaudhary and tribal leader Ramdayal Uike, who recently left the Congress and joined the BJP.

Chhattisgarh will go to polls in two phases on November 12 and November 20. The votes will be counted on December 11.

The BJP also released a list of 38 candidates for the Telangana Assembly polls. There are a total of 119 Assembly candidates in the state.

The party also released a list of 13 candidates for the Assembly polls in Mizoram.

The BJP Saturday released its first list of 77 candidates for the Chhattisgarh Assembly polls, fielding Chief Minister Raman Singh from the Rajnandgaon seat. Among the 77 candidates announced out of a total of 90 Assembly segments, 14 are women candidates and 14 sitting MLAs have been replaced with new names, Union minister J P Nadda said.

The BJP Saturday released its first list of 77 candidates for the Chhattisgarh Assembly polls, fielding Chief Minister Raman Singh from the Rajnandgaon seat. Among the 77 candidates announced out of a total of 90 Assembly segments, 14 are women candidates and 14 sitting MLAs have been replaced with new names, Union minister J P Nadda said. The list was finalised at the BJP's central election committee meeting that was chaired by party president Amit Shah and attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi among others. Among those fielded by the BJP include former IAS officer O P Chaudhary and tribal leader Ramdayal Uike, who recently left the Congress and joined the BJP. Chhattisgarh will go to polls in two phases on November 12 and November 20. The votes will be counted on December 11. The BJP also released a list of 38 candidates for the Telangana Assembly polls. There are a total of 119 Assembly candidates in the state. The party also released a list of 13 candidates for the Assembly polls in Mizoram.

BJP announces first list of 77 candidates for Chhattisgarh polls

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