The pivotal second phase of Chhattisgarh's Legislative Assembly Election unfolds today, featuring a tight contest between the incumbent Congress and the BJP, along with the AAP and BSP. With a substantial voter base of 19.7 million, including diverse demographics, the election's outcome will significantly impact the state's political landscape. This is all you need to know.

The culmination of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly Election's second phase, set to unfold today, is pivotal to key political figures, including Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Deputy Chief Minister TS Singh Deo, eight state ministers, and four Members of Parliament. The initial phase, on November 7, witnessed an impressive 78% voter turnout for the 20 seats in this Naxal-affected state, setting the stage for a closely contested battle between the incumbent Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alongside entrants like the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).

Chhattisgarh boasts a substantial voter base of 19.7 million, comprising 9.85 million women, 9.82 million men, and 762 transgender individuals. Noteworthy demographics include 443,000 first-time voters, 2,948 centenarians, 147,000 persons with disabilities, 202,000 individuals above 80, and 19,854 service voters from the armed forces. The state accommodates 24,109 polling booths, with 900 managed by women staff and security personnel, termed "sangwari" booths, and an additional 90 booths operated by persons with disabilities. Below, we break down party-wise candidate age ranges and key stats on registered voters, first-time voters, and the median age.

Understanding Chhattisgarh's political landscape necessitates a glance at its historical genesis. Carved out of Madhya Pradesh in 2000, the state initially reserved 34 out of 90 assembly seats for tribals, which was later revised to 29 after delimitation. The state's political journey reflects the intricate dance between power and representation. With nearly one-third of its population comprising tribals, the state has been a battleground for addressing historical grievances and navigating the contours of inclusive development, with the Congress returning to power in 2018 after a 15-year hiatus.

The spectre of the Naxalite/Maoist movement looms large over Chhattisgarh, reflecting deep-seated rural grievances, particularly among Dalits and tribals. The state's response, characterised by aggressive military repression, has spawned initiatives like the Salwa Judum, an armed youth vigilante group. The movement's endurance underscores the imperative of addressing underlying economic and social disparities.

The year 2013 marked a critical turning point in Chhattisgarh's political narrative, as Naxalites orchestrated a brazen ambush on a convoy of Congress leaders. This tragic incident not only led to the loss of lives but also served as a catalyst that reshaped the state's political trajectory. In the aftermath, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged victorious, securing another term in power.  Incumbency, which in this case was that of the BJP, is characterised by the tenure of a ruling party. It becomes a crucible where governance, crisis response, and unforeseen events meld into a dynamic political narrative. Anti-incumbency sentiments, born out of dissatisfaction with the ruling party, become a powerful force that can manifest in varied ways, from electoral losses to a decline in public approval. 

The youth demographic emerges as a focal point in the current political discourse – 46 lakh eligible voters aged 18 to 26 in the state. Leaders like Rahul Gandhi are actively engaging the younger generation. The 'Rajiv Yuva Mitan Sammelan' in Raipur underscores a concerted effort to integrate the youth into the state's political narrative. The three youngest candidates are all from Aam Aadmi Party, Praveen Vijay Jaiswal, 25, Neelam Didi, 26, and Veer Sharma, 26. 

As the state navigates these intricate nuances, the active engagement of the youth emerges as a transformative force. This symbolises the increasing influence of the younger generation, demanding a nuanced approach to governance that addresses their specific concerns, from unemployment to educational disparities. The youth, poised as active contributors to the state's growth story, hold the potential to reshape Chhattisgarh's political trajectory. In their hands lies not just the power to vote but the power to redefine the narrative.