MP Polls: 5 Key Issues In The Upcoming Assembly Elections

Over 5.6 crore will decide whether or not Shivraj Singh Chouhan will return as the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh for the fifth time.

There are 5,60,60,925 voters in the state out of which 2,88,25,607 are males, 2,72,33,945 females, and 1,373 others are of the third gender.

The total number of senior citizen voters stands at 6,53,640. The number of Divyang voters is 5,05,146 while 99 are NRI voters.

The voting for 230-member Assembly will be held on November 17.

Key Issues In Elections:

Corruption: Corruption has emerged as a primary focal point for the Congress government in its campaign against the BJP. It has targeted the ruling government in several financial scandals including 'Vyapam Scam'.

Anti-incumbency: The saffron party has been in power in Madhya Pradesh for 18 years now, except for a brief period in 2018. Hence, the anti-incumbency sentiment is very high. To counter this, the BJP has nominated Union ministers and Members of Parliament from the state.

Crime: The rising crime rates, especially targeting women, Dalits, tribals, and other vulnerable communities, remain a significant worry for voters. The urine incident involving a tribal man is one such incident.

Farmers issue: Both political parties have focused their campaigns on economic incentives and agricultural concerns in a state where 70 per cent of the population is involved in farming and related occupations. The farming community is not happy with the ruling party over farm loan waivers, the availability of quality seeds, and fertilizers.

Unemployment And High Inflation: The unemployment rate among youth remains a significant concern. Also, the anger against the government for failing to tame inflation is a also a major issue.