Rajasthan verdict awaited as counting set for December 3rd after peaceful conclusion of polls

The key state assembly elections in Rajasthan concluded on November 25th after a high-stakes electoral battle between the incumbent Congress party and the opposition BJP. The elections, originally scheduled for November 23rd, were postponed by the Election Commission in light of feedback about potential low voter turnout due to coincidence with the wedding season.

Nearly 1,900 candidates contested for 199 assembly seats across Rajasthan's 33 districts. The election in one constituency was adjourned due to the untimely demise of a Congress candidate. Over 5 crore registered voters were eligible to exercise their franchise to elect the next state government.

The counting of votes is scheduled for December 3rd and the final results will determine whether Congress retains power by winning a second straight term, or if BJP manages to unseat the Gehlot-led government similar to their victory in 2013. Rajasthan has had a history of alternating between the two national parties every election for the last few decades.

The state election is also being seen as a barometer for the national mood in the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. The outcome will indicate if Congress has been able to revive its fortunes after a string of electoral defeats since 2019 or if the Modi-led BJP continues its dominant run.