Chhattisgarh Phase 1 Assembly Election 2023: Key Highlights

By Archana Ajith

Chhattisgarh has gone into the first phase of its assembly election today, with 20 crucial constituencies, mainly in the Naxal-affected Bastar region, set to cast their votes. In the 2018 assembly elections, the Congress emerged victorious in 17 of these seats, while the BJP secured just two seats, and one seat went to the Janta Congress Chhattisgarh (JCC).

Prominent Candidates in Phase 1:

1. Dr. Raman Singh (BJP) – Rajnandgaon: Dr. Raman Singh, the former Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, is contesting from the Rajnandgaon assembly seat. He faces a tough battle against Girish Dewangan of the Congress. Dr. Raman Singh’s political career spans over 15 years, during which he held the state’s top office from 2003 to 2018.
2. Kawasi Lakhma (Congress) – Konta: Congress has retained Kawasi Lakhma as its candidate from Konta. Lakhma is the incumbent MLA from the constituency and will be seeking re-election. The BJP has fielded Soyam Muka as its candidate in this intensely contested seat.
3. Savitri Manoj Mandavi (Congress) – Bhanupratappur: Savitri Manoj Mandavi is a notable candidate representing the Congress in the Bhanupratappur constituency. She will face off against the BJP’s Gautam Uikey. Savitri Manoj Mandavi assumed her role in politics following the demise of her husband, Former Minister of State for Home and Prisons and serving Deputy Speaker Late Manoj Singh Mandavi. After his passing, she contested and emerged victorious in the 2022 Bhanupratappur by-elections, in the same seat where her husband had secured a win in 2018.
4. Mohammad Akbar – Kawardha: Mohammad Akbar is a significant contender and the sole Muslim candidate in the Chhattisgarh assembly elections. He is contesting for the Kawardha assembly constituency. In 2018, he contested for the first time and emerged victorious against the BJP’s Ashok Sahu, despite the seat having a substantial Sahu population.
5. Bhawna Bohra (BJP) – Pandariya: Bhawna Bohra, widely recognized as ‘Ambulance Wali Didi’ for her dedication to social work, is contesting from the Pandariya constituency. She is up against Congress’ Neelu Chandravanshi. Bhawna has a strong background in both social service and politics, actively involved in Kawardha and Bemetra districts.
6. Other Significant Contests:
   • Kondagaon: Congress Minister Mohan Markam vs. BJP’s Lata Usendi
   • Keshkal: Assembly Deputy Speaker and two-time MLA Santram Netam (Congress) vs. former IAS officer Neelkanth Tekam (BJP)
   • Narayanpur: Former minister Kedar Kashyap (BJP) vs. Chandan Kashyap

Voting Details:

The voting for the first phase will be conducted in two slots, with ten assembly constituencies participating in each slot. The first slot is scheduled from 8 am to 5 pm, and the second slot from 7 am to 3 pm. Most of the seats in the first phase are situated in Naxal-affected regions, encompassing districts like Bastar, Dantewada, Kanker, Kawardha, and Rajnandgaon.

Constituencies in the First Slot (8 am to 5 pm):

1. Pandariya
2. Kawardha
3. Khairagarh
4. Dongargarh
5. Rajnandgaon
6. Dongargaon
7. Khujji
8. Jagdalpur
9. Chitrakoot
10. Bastar

Constituencies in the Second Slot (7 am to 3 pm):

1. Mohla-Manpur
2. Antagarh
3. Bhanupratappur
4. Konkar
5. Keshkal
6. Kondagaon
7. Narayanpur
8. Dantewada
9. Bijapur
10. Konta

Voter Demographics:

The first phase of the Chhattisgarh Election 2023 boasts a total of 40,78,689 eligible electors. This includes a mix of male and female voters, demonstrating a significant and diverse electorate.

The second phase of voting in the remaining 70 seats is set for November 17, with the results to be announced on December 3.

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