Highlights of Jharkhand Election 2024:

 

Highlights of Jharkhand Election 2024: A voter turnout of over 64% was recorded in 43 seats by 5pm. The election for the 81-member state legislative assembly in Jharkhand commenced on Wednesday, November 13, with polling taking place across the 43 assembly constituencies. A voter turnout of 64.86% was reported by 5pm on Wednesday in 43 assembly constituencies. Until 11 am, Khunti district had the highest voter turnout at 34.12%, followed by 33.86% in Gumla, 33.44% in Lohardaga, and 33.18% in Simdega.

Of the 43 constituencies, there are 17 general seats, 20 reserved for Scheduled Tribes, and 6 for Scheduled Castes. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has scheduled phase two polling on November 20 for the remaining 38 seats. In preparation, elaborate security measures have been put in place, with 950 polling booths identified as “sensitive” across 31 constituencies. The imitation poll started at 5.30 am, while the actual polling is scheduled to start at 7 am and last until 5 pm. Voting will conclude at 4 pm at "sensitive" booths. In the initial phase, 638 candidates, with 73 women among them, are vying for 43 seats. During the last assembly election, Hemant Soren's Jharkhand Mukti Morcha secured 30 seats, the Bharatiya Janata Party won 25, and the Congress obtained 16 seats. A coalition consisting of the JMM, Congress, and RJD came into power following the recent Assembly elections, and Hemant Soren was appointed as the chief minister. Basic amenities such as drinking water, toilets, and web-casting facilities are provided at all polling stations. All arrangements are ready for voting. Security forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) are stationed at polling stations to ensure safety and protection. "All rules and regulations set by the Election Commission are being adhered to," stated Utkarsh Kumar, the Returning Officer for the Ranchi Assembly constituency.