RAIPUR,

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Sunil Soni defeated Indian National Congress (INC) candidate Akash Sharma by a margin of 46,082 votes in Raipur City South Legislative Assembly by-poll. Sunil Soni polled 89,059 votes while Indian National Congress candidate Akash Sharma polled 42,977 votes. 1,145 votes were polled for NOTA. Talking to ‘The Hitavada’, BJP candidate Sunil Soni attributed his win in the by-poll to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and all BJP workers.

 

“I extend my gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and BJP workers. The voters gave mandate to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai-led BJP Government’s development works. We will work for the development of Raipur City South Legislative Assembly Constituency,” he added. Talking to media persons at BJP Raipur district office Ekatma Parisar in Raipur, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed gratitude towards the voters of Raipur South Legislative Assembly Constituency for the BJP’s win in the by-poll. He also expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP senior party leaders and workers for this victory. The Chief Minister termed the BJP’s victory in Raipur City South Legislative Assembly by-poll as the victory of Modi Ki Guarantee. Earlier on the day counting began at 8 am at the counting centre situated in Government Engineering College Sejbahar. At the beginning, the counting of postal ballots was held.

 

The counting of votes from Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) began at 8.30 am. BJP candidate Sunil Soni maintained a steady lead in all 19 rounds. BJP workers in large numbers gathered at the BJP party office at Ekatma Parisar in Raipur city. The BJP workers burst crackers and celebrated the victory of the party in Raipur City South Legislative Assembly by-poll. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, MP Brijmohan Agrawal, BJP candidate Sunil Soni, Raipur Rural MLA Motilal Sahu and other BJP leaders visited the Ekatma Parisar. Earlier, the strong room housing the EVMs was opened at 7 a.m. in the presence of candidates, observers and officials. To oversee the process, two Assistant Returning Officers and four additional Assistant Returning Officers were designated.

 

The counting hall featured 14 tables for EVM vote counting, held in 19 rounds. One table was set up for postal ballots. Each table had a counting supervisor, counting assistant, and a micro observer. A dedicated section was for real-time data compilation and updates by the Returning Officer. A three-tier security system was deployed at the counting venue, with thorough checks and identity verification required for entry. The by-poll saw a total of 30 candidates contesting, with voter turnout recorded at 50.50 percent. Akash Sharma congratulate Soni: The BJP has secured a remarkable victory in the Raipur South Assembly by-election for the ninth consecutive time. BJP candidate Sunil Soni achieved a historic win, defeating Congress's Akash Sharma by a margin of 46,167 votes. Following the announcement of the results, Congress candidate Akash Sharma graciously accepted defeat and extended his congratulations to Sunil Soni. Akash Sharma said, “We respect the mandate of the people. The residents of Raipur South have chosen Sunil Soni, and I congratulate him on his victory. Our party members worked tirelessly throughout the campaign. There must be reasons behind this defeat, which we will analyze. On the surface, it appears that the people have reaffirmed their faith in the BJP and its governance.” Despite his loss, Sharma emphasized his continued commitment to serving the public with dedication. Raipur South is regarded as a BJP stronghold, and the voters once again demonstrated their trust in the party. Sunil Soni's decisive victory has further energized the BJP, boosting its confidence for the local body elections.