Polling begins in Rajasthan to elect new Assembly

Jaipur, Dec 7:  Polling began on Friday in Rajasthan amid tight security to elect a new Assembly in the state.

Voting began at 8 a.m., and will continue till 5 p.m.

The contest is mainly between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress.

In Rajasthan, the BJP is fighting anti-incumbency to retain power. 

About 4.74 crore people will decide the fate of 2,274 candidates in the fray for the 200-member Assembly. 

Out of 2,274 candidates -- 189 women are contesting for 199 out of the 200 assembly constituencies. 

The BJP is contesting on all seats while the Congress has left five seats for its allies. 

The Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has fielded 190, the Communist Party of India-Marxist 28 and the Communist Party of India 16 candidates. There are 830 Independent candidates. 

Election in Alwar district's Ramgarh constituency has been postponed due to the death of BSP candidate Laxman Singh.