Polling begins in Rajasthan
4 Dec 2008, 1004 Hrs

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Jaipur, Dec 4 Polling has begun in Rajasthan for 200 assembly seats in the state. Voting is on in around 42,500 booths spread over 33 districts in the state. Counting will be held on December 8.

Over 3.62 crore voters, including 1.72 crore women, are likely to decide the fate of 2,194 candidates.

The ruling BJP has fielded candidates for 193 seats. The opposition Congress has fielded candidates for all the 200 assembly seats, followed by BSP 199, NCP 39, CPI (M) 34 and CPI 21. There are also 1023 independent candidates in the fray.

Among the prominent contestants are Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje (Jhalrapatan), AICC general secretary and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot (Sardarpura), Rajasthan assembly speaker Sumitra singh (Mandawa), state Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria (Udaipur), Congress state president C P Joshi (Nathdwara), Health Minister and former Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat's son-in-law Narpat Singh Rajvi (Vidhyadhar Nagar) and Gujarat governor Naval Kishore Sharma's son Brij Kishore Sharma of Congress (Hawamahal).

Leader of Opposition in the state Ashok Gehlot looks to replace Chief Minister Vasundhra Raje's regime on issues of corruption and development.

Over 42, 000 polling booths have been set up for 3, 62, 19,481 eligible voters to exercise their franchise in the state.

Unprecedented security arrangements have been made for the election in wake of the terrorist attack in Mumbai last week.

The present Government in Rajasthan is being criticised for the serial bomb blast, which shook Jaipur on May 13, 2008. (ANI)