Polling underway in Madhya Pradesh

Bhopal, Nov 27: Polling for the 230-member of Madhya Pradesh Assembly began today.

Polling began at 8 a.m. A record number of 3179 candidates, including 226 women and 1369 independents, are in the fray for this year's election.

The election will decide the fate of prominent leaders, including Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Bharatiya Janashakti (BJ) chief Uma Bharti and senior BJP Minister Babulal Gaur.

Senior Congress Ministers, including former Chief Minister Digvijay Singh, are giving the polls a miss. Over 260 police and para military companies have been deployed across the state to maintain tight security during the casting of votes. The Election Commission has deployed police officers of the rank of inspector-general in various districts such as Betul, Datia, Harda, Tikamgarh, Ratlam and Sidhi to ensure law and order. Over 400 micro observers have also been deployed across the state to keep a watchful eye. Meanwhile, patrolling in areas bordering Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh has been increased to check the movement of unauthorized vehicles and persons.

ANI