Jharkhand Phase 1 Assembly Polls Concludes with Strong Turnout
The first phase of Jharkhand’s assembly elections saw voters cast their ballots for 43 out of the state’s 81 seats. By 5 p.m., voter turnout had reached 64.86%, slightly higher than the 63.9% turnout recorded in 2019, signaling robust public engagement. “Polling was marked by a festive mood and enthusiastic participation across all districts, with large tribal population, including areas affected by Left Wing Extremism,” the Election Commission stated about the Jharkhand Phase 1 Assembly Polls, emphasizing the spirit of civic involvement in these regions.
Thank you voters for your enthusiastic participation in the 1st phase of the Jharkhand Assembly Elections.🌟✨#VoteJohar #VoteDeneChalo #JharkhandElections #AssemblyElections #ECI pic.twitter.com/s4WxRogJiO
— Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) November 13, 2024
Key Contenders and Coalitions
In Jharkhand, the ruling coalition led by the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) fielded 23 candidates, with Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) adding 17 and 5 candidates, respectively. On the other hand, the opposition BJP fielded 36 candidates, hoping to regain its influence after losing ground in 2019. Supporting the BJP are allies Janata Dal United (JDU) with two candidates and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) with seven candidates.
Several notable figures are in the running, including former Chief Ministers Champai Soren and Arjun Munda’s family members, such as Babulal Soren and Meera Munda, along with Geeta Koda and Purnima Sahu, relatives of influential political figures Madhu Koda and Raghuvar Das. The JMM-led alliance is campaigning on the back of its welfare initiatives, such as the Maiyan Samman Yojana, hoping to secure a second term.
By-Elections Across India
As Jharkhand’s first phase of elections progressed, by-elections took place for 31 assembly seats across ten states, with the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat in Kerala drawing special attention. This by-election serves as a significant test for Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who aims to strengthen her political influence. In Wayanad, the by-election includes four assembly seats reserved for Scheduled Castes and six for Scheduled Tribes, underlining the importance of representation and diversity in these elections.
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has centered its campaign on pledges to curb corruption and prevent infiltration, pointing to allegations against Chief Minister Hemant Soren, who is under investigation in a corruption case. In the 2019 elections, the JMM-Congress-RJD alliance secured a comfortable majority with 47 seats, while the BJP, having previously held 37 seats in 2014, saw a decline to just 25.
Second Phase and Results Announcement
The elections in Jharkhand will proceed with a second phase on November 20, with votes from both phases set to be counted on November 23. These elections are critical for the JMM-led coalition, which aims to maintain its hold on the state, while the BJP and its allies work to rebuild their base.
Also See:
Vivek Ramaswamy’s Graduation Speech from 2003 Goes Viral
——————————————————————————-
It would mean the world to us if you follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. At Newscazt, we strive to bring you the latest news and stories from India, World, Business, Sports, Entertainment and more. Our team of experienced journalists and writers are committed to delivering accurate and unbiased news and analysis.
