Chhattisgarh polls highlights: 71.93% turnout; Raman Singh predicts BJP win

Chhattisgarh Assembly Election 2018 witnessed 71.93% voter turnout till 6 PM in phase 2. Track live updates here

1:17 PM

While addressing a rally in Madhya Pradesh, Modi said he used the "bitter medicine" of demonetisation to bring back money into banking system and to give "proper treatment to deep-rooted corruption system" in the country.

12:56 PM

25% voting recorded

12:49 PM

Security arrangement for Chhattisgarh elections

 

Around 600 companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed to keep an eye on the anti-democratic elements in the state.

12:47 PM

Selfie-zone for youth

 

The Election Commission has set up a Voter Selfie Zone at each polling booth to encourage young minds to cast their votes.

12:45 PM

Special arrangement to encourage women voters

 

In an attempt to encourage women voters, the Election Commission has set up 188 Sangwari polling booths in scores of constituencies to encourage females to cast their votes. Interestingly, these booths will be operated by all-female staff.

12:43 PM

12:38 PM

Election Commission Orders Removal Of Chhattisgarh Public Relations Chief

 

Toppo was allegedly caught on tape asking a journalist to film a video of Congress members abusing one of their senior leaders. The official is allegedly heard saying that he is willing to spend some money for the sting video.

12:38 PM

The commission has directed that S Rajesh Toppo, secretary and commissioner of public relations in the state government, be transferred from his present post "in context of alleged statements made by him", a spokesperson said.

 

"The commission observed that such statements indicate partisan behaviour apart from use of uncivilised language unbecoming of a senior civil servant," the spokesperson said.

12:37 PM

Few days ahead of Chhattisgarh elections, the Election Commission told the State government to transfer one of its senior officials who was allegedly caught on tape offering money for sting operation against opposition Congress leaders in the poll-bound state.

12:30 PM

Remember the time when Congress was in power here in Madhya Pradesh, what was the condition of people? Madhya Pradesh does not deserve a government which never thinks about the state's welfare: PM Narendra Modi in Jhabua.

12:21 PM

12:20 PM

12:17 PM

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is addressing a rally in Madhya Pradesh.

12:12 PM

Ajit Jogi is contesting from Marwahi, his wife Renu Jogi from Konta and his daughter-in-law, Richa Jogi from Akaltara on BSP ticket. Jogi's new political outfit, Janata Congress Chhattisgarh is contesting polls in alliance with Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party. 

12:11 PM

Former chief minister Ajit Jogi and his two family members, IAS-turned-politician O P Choudhry and Sarguja's former royal T S Singhdeo -- there are many high-profile candidates whose fate would be sealed today.