People line up to vote in the second phase of voting in Chhattisgarh
How well the Congress does in central and north Chhattisgarh, which vote today, could well decide whether the BJP's Raman Singh will win his third straight term as chief minister. (
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Of the 72 constituencies where polling is being held in the second phase, a large portion is considered a Congress stronghold. The main opposition party of the state not only holds 35 of these assembly seats, but has also done well in recent local elections. (
Chhattisgarh polls: Constituencies)
The ruling BJP also holds 35 of the seats that vote today.
Last week, 18 constituencies in the tribal and Maoist-hit regions of the state saw 75 per cent polling amid unprecedented security in the first phase.
That region had swung the 2008 election in Raman Singh's favour, with his BJP winning 15 of the 18 seats. This time, the BJP reportedly worries that it might not repeat its performance and will have to considerably improve its showing in the second phase to offset any setback in the first phase. (
Chhattisgarh: Previous results)
Nine of Mr Singh's cabinet ministers are in the fray today. Raman Singh contests from Rajnandgaon which voted in the first phase, but will cast his vote today in Kawardha. (
Chhattisgarh polls: Candidates)
The Congress, which had almost its complete top order in the state wiped out in a ghastly Naxal ambush earlier this year, has fielded Umesh Patel, the son of Nand Kumar Patel, one of the leaders assassinated, from Kharsiya.
It has also bypassed former chief minister Ajit Jogi and fielded his son Amit Jogi instead from Marwahi. Ajit Jogi's wife Renu is contesting from Kota.
Over one lakh security personnel have been deployed.