Over 71% voter turnout recorded amid mostly peaceful balloting in first phase of Chhattisgarh elections

The first phase of elections in Chhattisgarh saw a voter turnout of over 71 percent. The balloting was mostly peaceful, except for incidents of IED blasts and exchange of fire in Maoist-affected areas. Some constituencies with high Maoist influence reported the highest voter turnout, while the lowest turnout was recorded in a Maoist-affected area. The remaining 70 constituencies will go to polls on November 17. The candidates in the fray include former Chief Minister Raman Singh and State Congress President Deepak Baij.