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Jaipur, Nov 14 (IANS) Counting of votes is underway for the Anta (Baran) assembly by-election in Rajasthan, with Congress candidate Pramod Jain ‘Bhaya’ taking a significant lead after 14 rounds.
Congress candidate Pramod Jain ‘Bhaya’ got 51,012 votes, while independent candidate Naresh Meena trailed with 39,692 votes and BJP candidate Morpal Suman trailed with 38,634 votes.
More than 1 lakh votes have been counted so far and six rounds are still left.
About three hours after the start of the voting process, independent candidate Naresh Meena reached the counting centre.
As soon as Bhaya’s lead increased, Meena came out of the center and sat with his supporters.
Meanwhile, celebrations started among the Congress workers and many workers burst crackers.
District Election Officer Rohitashv Singh Tomar said that the counting of votes is taking place in Boys PG College, where 14 counting tables have been installed. A total of 20 rounds will be conducted.
Fifteen candidates are in the fray and the voter turnout in the constituency was 80.21 percent on November 11.
A huge crowd was seen outside the counting centre.
Thousands of supporters of Naresh Meena have gathered, due to which police deployment has been increased.
Supporters started coming to Bhaya’s residence in Shreeji Chowk, Baran since morning and some people were seen touching his feet for blessings.
Before the counting of votes began, Bhaya along with his wife visited a cow shed and performed seva, expressing confidence in his victory.
Suman also reached the counting center in the morning and claimed that he would win.
Sloganeering intensified as the trend emerged, with barricades put up near the college intersection to restrict unauthorized entry.
Supporters of both the main candidates kept raising slogans throughout the morning.
Counting of ballot papers started at 8 am. The situation remains dynamic as the remaining six rounds are yet to be completed.
Meanwhile, Congress leader and former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot expressed happiness over the trend and said that the party will register a big victory.
–IANS
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