Chhattisgarh Assembly Elections 2023

The announcement of polling results took place on Sunday. In the Congress-governed state of Chhattisgarh, chief minister Bhupesh Baghel is expected to return for a second term, despite federal investigations over corruption allegations against his government. The Chhattisgarh assembly has a total of 90 seats. The Chhattisgarh assembly, consisting of 90 seats, forms the battleground for these political developments.

Chhattisgarh's political landscape has traditionally been bipolar, but the lead-up to these assembly polls introduced a tribal force capable of disrupting established equations. With Hindutva as its primary platform, the BJP's success hinged on effectively persuading rural voters. The party's electoral narrative encompassed showcasing infrastructure development during its 15-year tenure and highlighting alleged corruption under the Congress regime. Notably, the BJP had yet to reveal its candidate for the chief minister position.

In the 2018 elections, the Congress defied exit poll predictions by securing a resounding victory in Chhattisgarh, terminating the 15-year rule of the BJP government led by Raman Singh. The Congress clinched 68 seats out of the 90-member assembly, while the BJP managed only 15 seats. The Congress garnered 43 percent of the total votes, whereas the BJP received 33 percent.

The 2018 elections witnessed a strong anti-incumbency sentiment against the BJP, which had held power for three consecutive terms. Factors such as agrarian distress, unemployment, and corruption allegations contributed to this wave. Despite facing these challenges, the BJP put up a competitive fight, securing 15 seats in the 90-member legislative assembly, indicating a substantial support base in specific pockets of the state.

The leadership of the Congress party, particularly Bhupesh Baghel, played a pivotal role in steering the party to victory in 2018. Baghel's inclusive approach and effective strategy in addressing various societal concerns resonated with voters.

The 2018 Chhattisgarh assembly elections marked a significant political turnaround for the Congress party in the state, showcasing its ability to mobilize public support and address electorate concerns effectively.

In the current scenario, the Congress aimed to secure voter confidence with its unique blend of soft Hindutva, emphasis on Chhattisgarhi pride, and substantial social sector interventions. While having Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, an OBC leader, could be advantageous, there existed anti-incumbency sentiments against its MLAs. Over two crore individuals were eligible to vote in the Chhattisgarh assembly polls, and the implementation of the model code of conduct followed the announcement of the state's poll schedule by the Election Commission of India.

Election Result 2023 | Chhattisgarh Election Result 2023