Polling for the Karanpur Assembly constituency in Rajasthan’s Sriganganagar district commenced at 7 am on Friday, an official said. The election, originally scheduled earlier, was postponed following the demise of Congress candidate Gurmeet Singh Koonar.
“The polling in Karanpur began at 7 am and will continue until 6 pm,” stated District Collector Anshdeep.
Rupinder Singh, the son of the late Gurmeet Singh Koonar, is the Congress’ nominee for the by-election.
Also Read: Rajasthan Election 2023: Full list of BJP, Congress candidates and constituencies
As per official reports, Surendra Pal Singh TT, the BJP’s candidate for the seat, has already taken oath as a minister in the recently formed state cabinet. However, the move has drawn criticism from the Congress, citing a violation of the Model Code of Conduct.
Surendra Pal Singh TT, a former state minister, was appointed to the cabinet on December 30 last year by Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma. The Congress has raised objections, asserting that the appointment of non-legislators as ministers should adhere to the condition of getting elected within six months.
Former chief minister and senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot criticised Surendra Pal Singh TT’s swearing-in, terming it a clear violation of the Model Code of Conduct and an attempt to sway voters in the constituency.
The results of the by-election are anticipated to be announced on January 8, according to the district collector.
A total of 249 polling stations have been established in the constituency, catering to 2.4 lakh voters, including 1,25,850 men, 1,14,966 women, and 10 transgender individuals.
Additionally, there are 180 service voters. The polling for 199 out of the 200 Assembly seats in Rajasthan took place on November 25 last year, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) securing victory in 115 seats, surpassing the Congress, which managed to secure only 69 seats.