Campaigning for the first phase of Assembly elections in Chhattisgarh comes to an end this evening.18 constituencies in eight Naxal-affected districts will go to polls in this phase on Monday. Our correspondent reports that senior leaders of various political parties are holding rallies in different areas today.

BJP President Amit Shah and Congress President Rahul Gandhi are addressing election meetings in various places of Chhattisgarh today. BJP President has addressed public meeting at Gariabandh. He would also take out a road show in Rajnandgaon.

Congress President  is scheduled to address election meetings at Charama and Kondagaon constituencies of tribal Bastar region. Other star campaigners of both the parties including Union minister Sushma Swaraj, Babul Supriyo, Chief Minister of UP Yogi Adityanath, senior congress leader and actor Raj Babbar area lso canvassing support for their respective party candidates.

Out of 18 constituencies, which are going for poll in first phase, in 10 most Maoist affected assembly segments the campaigning will end at 3 PM , while in other 8,the candidates can campaign till 5 PM today.

Polling to the remaining 72 constituencies, in the second and final phase, will be held on the 20th of this month.

Counting of votes will be taken up on the 11th of next month.