Chhattisgarh: voting for presidential election starts

Voting for the presidential election began at the Chhattisgarh Assembly complex here today morning.

The voting started at Samiti Kaksh-2 (committee room-2) in the Vidhansabha premises at 10 am, said Devendra Verma, Principal Secretary, Vidhansabha, who is acting as assistant returning officer for the election.

By 10.30 am, at least 35 legislators, including ministers Rajesh Munat, Premprakash Pandey, Amar Agrawal, Ramsewak Paikra and Punnulal Mohile,had cast votes.

NDA's Ram Nath Kovind is pitted against Congress-led opposition's candidate Meira Kumar in today's election.

In the 90-member Chhattisgarh Assembly, BJP has 49 MLAs whereas the Congress has 39. One MLA is from the BSP while another is independent legislator.
 

Marwahi MLA Amit Jogi, expelled from the Congress, had said he would support Meira Kumar. The Congress has also suspended Gunderdehi MLA Rajendra Kumar Rai.

In the Lok Sabha, the BJP has 10 MPs from Chhattisgarh while the Congress has one.