BJP fields ex-CM Raman Singh from Rajnandgaon, state chief Sao from Lormi for upcoming Chhattisgarh assembly polls

The BJP on Monday named former Chhattisgarh chief minister Raman Singh and its state president Arun Sao, also a Lok Sabha MP, as its candidates in its second list of 64 nominees for the elections to the 90-member assembly.Three MPs, including Union minister Renuka Singh and Gomati Sai, figured in the list as the party continued with fielding parliamentarians in the assembly polls, underlining its all-out bid to win power in the current round of five-state elections.The BJP has fielded Raman Singh, a three-term former chief minister, from Rajnandgaon, his traditional constituency, while Sao will contest from Lormi.Earlier today Election Commission of India announced the elections for the five states. The counting of votes will take place on December 3 in all the states.Elections will be held in Mizoram on November 7, Chhattisgarh on November 7 and November 17, Madhya Pradesh on November 17, Rajasthan on November 23 and Telangana on November 30. The counting of votes will take place on December 3 in all the states.Welcoming the election announcement Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel said "We are ready, the battle has begun for the pride of this soil. The people of Chhattisgarh are ready to once again endorse the voice of new Chhattisgarh and show their trust in us."Congress stormed to power in Chhattisgarh in the 2018 elections, winning 68 of 90 seats in the state assembly. The party had a vote share of 43.9 per cent. BJP won 15 seats and had a vote share of 33.6 per cent.With inputs from agencies