Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Gulab Chand Kataria on Sunday cast his vote and said elections are the only solution to the problems of the country.
“See there is only one solution to all the problems of the country, that is election. It is unfortunate that political parties have not projected the voter adequately. That’s why they have to do this drama,” said Kataria, who is contesting from Udaipur (City) constituency, is fielded against Congress’s Dinesh Shrimali.
“I will attend various polling stations and encourage the voters. It will also give a feeling to the voters that we are still working for them. With all the arrangements made by EC, the voting percentage will definitely increase. Media has also played an active role in making people aware of their power of vote,” he added.
Voting began at 8 a.m., will continue till 5 p.m. Polling is taking place for 199 seats in the 200-member assembly. Polling for Churu constituency has been postponed due to the death of BSP candidate.
Over 4 crore 7 lakh voters will decide the fate of 2,087 candidates. Ruling Congress and main opposition party BJP are contesting all the seats, while BSP is contesting 195 and CPM 38 seats.
666 candidates of other parties and 758 independent candidates are also in the fray.
Prominent candidates in the fray include Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Leader of opposition Vasundhara Raje, Chairperson of National Commission for Women Mamta Sharma, MP Kirodi Lal Meena and Athlete Krishna Poonia.
The election in Rajasthan is being seen as a litmus test for both the BJP and the Congress ahead of the 2014 general elections.
The counting of votes will take place on December 8. (ANI)